Evolution of plasticized MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based nonmetallic inclusion in 18wt%Cr-8wt% Ni stainless steel and its properties during soaking process

The properties of MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based plasticized inclusion are likely to change during soaking process due to its low melting point. In this study, the evolution of the MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based inclusion of 18 wt%Cr-8 wt%Ni stainless steel under isothermal soaking process at 1250°C for different times was investigated by laboratory-scale experiments and thermodynamic analysis. The results showed that the inclusion population density increased at the first stage and then decreased while their average size first decreased and then increased. In addition, almost no Cr_2O_3-concentrated regions existed within the inclusion before soaking, but more and more Cr_2O_3 precipitates were formed during soaking. Furthermore, the plasticity of the inclusion deteriorated due to a decrease in the amount of liquid phase and an increase in the high-melting-pointphase MnO–Cr_2O_3 spinel after the soaking process. In-situ observations by high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM) confirmed that liquid phases were produced in the inclusions and the inclusions grew rather quickly during the soaking process. Both the experimental results and thermodynamic analysis conclude that there are three routes for inclusion evolution during the soaking process. In particular, Ostwald ripening plays an important role in the inclusion evolution, i.e., MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based inclusions grow by absorbing the newly precipitated smaller-size MnO–Cr_2O_3 inclusions.     

Novel mechanism for the modification of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-based inclusions in ultra-low carbon Al-killed steel considering the effects of magnesium and calcium

Many researchers have explored the inclusion modification mechanism to improve non-metallic inclusion modifications in steelmaking. In this study, two types of industrial trials on inclusion modifications in liquid steel were conducted using ultra-low-carbon Al-killed steel with different Mg and Ca contents to verify the effects of Ca and Mg contents on the modification mechanism of Al₂O₃-based inclusions during secondary refining. The results showed that Al₂O₃-based inclusions can be modified into liquid calcium aluminate or a multi-component inclusion with the addition of a suitable amount of Ca. In addition,[Mg] in liquid steel can further reduce CaO in liquid calcium aluminate to drive its evolution into CaO-MgO-Al₂O₃ multi-component inclusions. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the reaction between[Mg] and CaO in liquid calcium aluminate occurs when the MgO content of liquid calcium aluminate is less than 3wt% and the temperature is higher than 1843 K.     

Activity coefficient of NiO in SiO2-saturated MnO–SiO2slag and Al2O3-saturated MnO–SiO2–Al2O3slag at 1623 K

As a part of the fundamental study related to the reduction smelting of spent lithium-ion batteries and ocean polymetallic nodules based on MnO–SiO₂slags,this work investigated the activity coefficient of NiO in SiO₂-saturated Mn O–Si O₂slag and Al₂O₃-saturated Mn O–SiO₂–Al₂O₃slag at 1623 K with controlled oxygen partial pressure levels of 10^-7,10^-6,and 10^-5Pa.Results showed that the solubility of nickel oxide in the slags increased with increasing oxygen partial pressure.The nickel in the Mn O–Si O₂slag and Mn O–Si O₂–Al₂O₃slag existed as Ni O under experimental conditions.The addition of Al₂O₃in the Mn O–Si O₂slag decreased the dissolution of nickel in the slag and increased the activity coefficient of Ni O.Furthermore,the activity coefficient of Ni O(γN_(i O)),which is solid Ni O,in the Si O₂saturated Mn O–Si O₂slag and Al₂O₃saturated Mn O–Si O₂–Al₂O₃slag at 1623 K can be respectively calculated asγN_(i O)=8.58w(Ni O)+3.18 andγN_(i O)=11.06w(Ni O)+4.07,respectively,where w(Ni O)is the Ni O mass fraction in the slag.     

Microstructure analysis of AISI 304 stainless steel produced by twin-roll thin strip casting process

The microstructure of AISI 304 austenlte stainless steel fabricated by the thin strip casting process were investigated using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructures of the casting strips show a duplex structure consisting of delta ferrite and austenite. The volume fraction of the delta ferrite is about 9.74vo1% at the center and 6.77vo1% at the surface of the casting thin strip, in vermicular and hand shapes. On account of rapid cooling and solidification in the continuous casting process, many kinds of inclusions and precipitates have been found. Most of the inclusions and precipitates are spherical complex compounds consisting of oxides, such as, SiO₂, MnO, Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, and FeO or their multiplicity oxides of MnO·Al₂O₃, 2FeO·SiO₂, and 2MnO·SiO₂. Many defects including dislocations and stacking faults have also formed during the rapid cooling and solidification process, which is helpful to improve the mechanical properties of the casting strips.     

1623 K时SiO2饱和的MnO–SiO2渣和Al2O3饱和的MnO–SiO2–Al2O3渣中NiO的活度系数

MnO–SiO₂二元系作为废旧锂离子电池、海洋锰结核还原熔炼过程中的基础渣型,测定有价金属（如镍）在渣中的溶解度、活度及活度系数热力学数据十分必要。为此,本文测定了温度1623 K、氧分压10?7,10?6,和10?5 Pa时SiO₂饱和的MnO–SiO₂渣和Al₂O₃饱和的MnO–SiO₂–Al₂O₃渣中NiO的溶解度和活度系数。结果表明:在试验条件下,镍在MnO–SiO₂渣和MnO–SiO₂–Al₂O₃渣中主要以NiO形式存在,且渣中NiO的溶解度随着氧分压增加而增加;向MnO–SiO₂渣中加入Al₂O₃可以降低渣中镍的溶解度,增加NiO的活度系数。此外,SiO₂饱和的MnO–SiO₂渣和Al₂O₃饱和的MnO–SiO₂–Al₂O₃渣中NiO的活度系数（γ_NiO,以纯固体NiO为参考态）可分别按如下公式计算:γ_NiO = 8.58w(NiO) + 3.18; γ_NiO=11.06w(NiO) + 4.07, 其中,w(NiO)为渣中NiO的质量分数。     

Phosphate enrichment mechanism in CaO–SiO2–FeO–Fe2O3–P2O5 steelmaking slags with lower binary basicity

The addition of silica to steelmaking slags to decrease the binary basicity can promote phosphate enrichment in quenched slag samples. In this study, we experimentally investigated phosphate enrichment behavior in CaO–SiO₂–FeO–Fe₂O₃–P₂O₅ slags with a P₂O₅ content of 5.00% and the binary basicity B ranging from 1.0 to 2.0, where the (%Fe_tO)/(%CaO) mass percentage ratio was maintained at 0.955. The experimental results are explained by the defined enrichment degree R_C2S-C3P of solid solution 2CaO·SiO₂–3CaO·P₂O₅ (C₂S–C₃P), where R_C2S-C3P is a component of the developed ion and molecule coexistence theory (IMCT)–N_i model for calculating the mass action concentrations N_i of structural units in the slags on the basis of the IMCT. The asymmetrically inverse V-shaped relation between phosphate enrichment and binary basicity B was observed to be correlated in the slags under applied two-stage cooling conditions. The maximum content of P₂O₅ in the C₂S–C₃P solid solution reached approximately 30.0% when the binary basicity B was controlled at 1.3.     

Characteristics of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>, MnS,and TiN inclusions in the remelting process of bearing steel

The Al₂O₃, MnS, and TiN inclusions in bearing steel will deteriorate the steel's mechanical properties. Therefore, elucidating detailed characteristics of these inclusions in consumable electrode during the electroslag remelting process is important for achieving a subsequently clean ingot. In this study, a confocal scanning violet laser microscope was used to simulate the remelting process and observe, in real time, the behaviors of inclusions. The obtained images show that, after the temperature exceeded the steel solidus temperature, MnS and TiN inclusions in the specimen began to dissolve. Higher temperatures led to faster dissolution, and the inclusions disappeared before the steel was fully liquid. In the case of an observed Al₂O₃ inclusion, its shape changed from angular to a smooth ellipsoid in the region where the solid and liquid coexisted and it began to dissolve as the temperature continued to increase. This dissolution was driven by the difference in oxygen potential between the inclusion and the liquid steel.     

AISI 321不锈钢钢钢包精炼过程中钙含量对夹杂物的影响

The effect of three heat processes with different calcium contents on the evolution of inclusions during the ladle furnace refining process of AISI 321 stainless steel was investigated. The size, morphology, and composition of the inclusions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. After the addition of aluminum and titanium, the primary oxide in the AISI 321 stainless steel was an Al₂O₃–MgO–TiO_x complex oxide, in which the mass ratio of Al₂O₃/MgO was highly consistent with spinel (MgO·Al₂O₃). After calcium treatment, the calcium content in the oxide increased significantly. Thermodynamic calculations show that when the Ti content was 0.2wt%, the Al and Ca contents were less than 0.10wt% and 0.0005wt%, respectively, which was beneficial for the formation of liquid inclusions in molten steel. Moreover, the modification mechanism of calcium on TiN-wrapped oxides in combination with temperature changes was discussed.     

Inclusion variations and calcium treatment optimization in pipeline steel production

SiCa line and SiCaBaFe alloy were injected into liquid pipeline steel at the end of LF refining as calcium treatment, and samples were taken from the ladles, mould, and slabs. Analysis of Ca content and inclusions shows that Ca content in steel decreases obviously in the following process after calcium treatment; the compositions, morphology, and sizes of inclusions also vary much in the production; primary inclusions in the ladles prior to calcium treatment are mainly Al₂O₃ inclusions, but they turn to fine irregular CaS-CaO-Al₂O₃ compound inclusions after the treatment, then become fine globular CaO-Al₂O₃ inclusions in the mould, and finally change to a few larger irregular CaS-CaO-Al₂O₃ complex inclusions in the slabs. Thermodynamic study reveals that inclusion variations are related with the preferential reactions among Ca, Al₂O₃, and S and the precipitation of S in CaO-Al₂O₃ inclusions with high sulfur capacity. New evaluation standards for calcium treatment in high-grade pipeline steel were put forward according to the inclusion variations and requirements of pipeline steel on inclusion controlling, and the calcium process was studied and optimized.     

Fabrication of Fe–TiC–Al2O3 composites on the surface of steel using a TiO2–Al–C–Fe combustion reaction induced by gas tungsten arc cladding

The aim of the present study was to fabricate Fe–TiC–Al₂O₃ composites on the surface of medium carbon steel. For this purpose, TiO₂–3C and 3TiO₂–4Al–3C–xFe (0 ≤ x ≤ 4.6 by mole) mixtures were pre-placed on the surface of a medium carbon steel plate. The mixtures and substrate were then melted using a gas tungsten arc cladding process. The results show that the martensite forms in the layer produced by the TiO₂–3C mixture. However, ferrite–Fe₃C–TiC phases are the main phases in the microstructure of the clad layer produced by the 3TiO₂–4Al–3C mixture. The addition of Fe to the TiO₂–4Al–3C reactants with the content from 0 to 20wt% increases the volume fraction of particles, and a composite containing approximately 9vol% TiC and Al₂O₃ particles forms. This composite substantially improves the substrate hardness. The mechanism by which Fe particles enhance the TiC + Al₂O₃ volume fraction in the composite is determined.     

Nonmetallic inclusions in SUS304 strip produced by twin-roll strip casting

The shape, type, content, and dimension of nonmetallic inclusions in SUS304 strip produced by twin-roll strip casting were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the inclusions are mainly spherical Al₂O₃ and complex oxides composed of MnO, Al₂O₃, and SiO₂. The percentage of fine oxides smaller than 3 μm reaches up to 51.8%. The theoretical calculations show that fine oxides have precipitated during solidification. Therefore, it is concluded that during twin-roll strip casting, because of high cooling rate, the size of inclusions precipitated during solidification decreases, and the amount increases.     

TiO2对含铬高钛熔分渣熔化性能和黏度的影响

A study on the melting and viscosity properties of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag (CaO–SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–TiO₂–Cr₂O₃) with TiO₂ contents ranging from 38.63wt% to 42.63wt% was conducted. The melting properties were investigated with a melting-point apparatus, and viscosity was measured using the rotating cylinder method. The FactSage 7.1 software and X-ray diffraction, in combination with scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), were used to characterize the phase equilibrium and microstructure of chromium-containing high-titanium melting slags. The results indicated that an increase in the TiO₂ content led to a decrease in the viscosity of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag. In addition, the softening temperature, hemispheric temperature, and flowing temperature decreased with increasing TiO₂ content. The amount of crystallized anosovite and sphene phases gradually increased with increasing TiO₂ content, whereas the amount of perovskite phase decreased. SEM observations revealed that the distribution of the anosovite phase was dominantly influenced by TiO₂.     

Comparison between the surface defects caused by Al2O3 and TiN inclusions in interstitial-free steel auto sheets

Al₂O₃ and TiN inclusions in interstitial-free (IF) steel deteriorate the properties of the steel. To decrease the defects of cold-rolled sheet, it is important to clearly distinguish between the degrees of damage caused by these two inclusions on the surface quality of the steel. In this study, a nanoindenter was used to test the mechanical properties of the inclusions, and the distribution and size of the inclusions were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that when only mechanical properties are considered, TiN inclusions are more likely to cause defects than Al₂O₃ inclusions of the same size during the rolling process. However, Al₂O₃ inclusions are generally more inclined to cause defects in the rolling process than TiN inclusions because of their distribution characteristic in the thickness direction. The precipitation of Al₂O₃ and TiN was obtained through thermodynamical calculations. The growth laws of inclusions at different cooling rates were calculated by solidification and segregation models. The results show that the precipitation regularity is closely related to the distribution law of the inclusions in IF slabs along the thickness direction.     

汽车暴露面板带有表面条状缺陷的夹杂物分布特征分析:一种定量电解方法

The specific distribution characteristics of inclusions along with the sliver defect were analyzed in detail to explain the formation mechanism of the sliver defect on the automobile exposed panel surface. A quantitative electrolysis method was used to compare and evaluate the three-dimensional morphology, size, composition, quantity, and distribution of inclusions in the defect and non-defect zone of automobile exposed panel. The Al₂O₃ inclusions were observed to be aggregated or chain-like shape along with the sliver defect of about 3–10 μm. The aggregation sections of the Al₂O₃ inclusions are distributed discretely along the rolling direction, with a spacing of 3–7 mm, a length of 6–7 mm, and a width of about 3 mm. The inclusion area part is 0.04%–0.16% with an average value of 0.08%, the inclusion number density is 40 mm?2 and the inclusion average spacing is 25.13 μm. The inclusion spacing is approximately 40–160 μm, with an average value of 68.76 μm in chain-like inclusion parts. The average area fraction and number density of inclusions in the non-defect region were reduced to about 0.002% and 1–2 mm?2, respectively, with the inclusion spacing of 400 μm and the size of Al₂O₃ being 1–3 μm.     

Effect of magnesium addition on inclusions in H13 die steel

The effect of magnesium addition on the number, morphology, composition, size, and density of inclusions in H13 die steel was studied. The results show that the total oxygen content in the steel can be significantly decreased to 0.0008wt%. Al₂O₃ and MnS inclusions are changed into nearly spherical MgO·Al₂O₃ spinel and spherical MgO·MgS inclusions, respectively. The number of inclusions larger than 1 μm decreases and the number of inclusions smaller than 1 μm increases with increasing magnesium content. V(N,C) precipitates around MgO·Al₂O₃ and MgO·MgS inclusions during solidification of liquid steel. The densities of MgO·Al₂O₃ spinel inclusions are lower than that of alumina inclusions. With increasing magnesium content in the Mg-containing inclusions, the density of inclusions decreases, leading to the improvement of inclusion removal efficiency.     

Development of inclusions in 3104 alloy melt during heating and holding treatments

Developments in the contents of different typical inclusions in 3104 alloy melt were described during heating and holding processing. The settling process of inclusion particles was investigated by measuring the contents of inclusions in the surface, center, and bottom layers of the molten metal. In the results, main inclusions observed and determined by Prefil and PoDFA methods are MgO, Al₂O₃, spinel (MgAl₂O₄), and TiB₂ particles or thin films. It is found that some small particles of Al₂O₃ and MgO are transformed into spinel particles, and the formation rate increases as the temperature and the holding period of melt increase. The content of inclusions increases from 3.37 mm2·kg-1 to 7.54 mm2·kg-1 and then decreases to 3.08 mm2·kg-1 after holding for 90 min. This is attributed to a settling phenomenon and a significant increase in settling velocity after holding for 60 min. The content of inclusion particles decreases by means of settlement and flotation in liquid aluminum with an increase in holding time. The theoretical analysis and experiment results are in essential agreement with those from industrial production.     

Fluoride evaporation and crystallization behavior of CaF2–CaO–Al2O3–(TiO2) slag for electroslag remelting of Ti-containing steels

To elucidate the behavior of slag films in an electroslag remelting process, the fluoride evaporation and crystallization of CaF₂–CaO–Al₂O₃–(TiO₂) slags were studied using the single hot thermocouple technique. The crystallization mechanism of TiO₂-bearing slag was identified based on kinetic analysis. The fluoride evaporation and incubation time of crystallization in TiO₂-free slag are found to considerably decrease with decreasing isothermal temperature down to 1503 K. Fish-bone and flower-like CaO crystals precipitate in TiO₂-free slag melt, which is accompanied by CaF₂ evaporation from slag melt above 1503 K. Below 1503 K, only near-spherical CaF₂ crystals form with an incubation time of less than 1 s, and the crystallization is completed within 1 s. The addition of 8.1wt% TiO₂ largely prevents the fluoride evaporation from slag melt and promotes the slag crystallization. TiO₂ addition leads to the precipitation of needle-like perovskite (CaTiO₃) crystals instead of CaO crystals in the slag. The crystallization of perovskite (CaTiO₃) occurs by bulk nucleation and diffusion-controlled one-dimensional growth.     

Effect of interaction of refractories with Ni-based superalloy on inclusions during vacuum induction melting

This study documents laboratory-scale observation of the interactions between the Ni-based superalloy FGH4096 and refractories. Three different crucibles were tested—MgO, Al₂O₃, and MgO–spinel. We studied the variations in the compositions of the inclusions and the alloy–crucible interface with the reaction time using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the MgO and MgO–spinel crucibles form MgO-containing inclusions (Al–Mg oxides and Al–Mg–Ti oxides), whereas the inclusions formed when using the Al₂O₃ crucible are Al₂O₃ and Al–Ti oxides. We observed a new MgAl₂O₄ phase at the inner wall of the MgO crucible, with the alloy melted in the MgO crucible exhibiting fewer inclusions. No new phase occurred at the inner wall of the Al₂O₃ crucible. We discuss the mechanism of interaction between the refractories and the Ni-based superalloy. Physical erosion was found to predominate in the Al₂O₃ crucible, whereas dissolution and chemical reactions dominated in the MgO crucible. No reaction was observed between three crucibles and the Ti of the melt although the Ti content (3.8wt%) was higher than that of Al (2.1wt%).     

Thermodynamic analysis of the compositional control of inclusions in cutting-wire steel

Data from a thermodynamic database and the calculation software FactSage were used to investigate the phase diagrams of the MnO-CaO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃ system in cutting-wire steel and the effects of oxide components on the low-melting-point (LMP) zone in the corresponding phase diagrams. Furthermore, the activities of oxide components in the quaternary system at an Al₂O₃ content of 25wt% were calculated. The contents of dissolved [Al] and [O] in liquid steel in equilibrium with LMP inclusions in the MnO-CaO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃ system were optimized. The results show that the MnO-CaO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃ system possesses the largest LMP zone (below 1400°C) at an Al₂O₃ content of 25wt% and that the CaO content should be simultaneously controlled in the range of 40wt% to 45wt%. The activities of the oxide components CaO, MnO, and SiO₂ should be restricted in the ranges of 0 to 0.05, 0.01 to 0.6, and 0.001 to 0.8, respectively. To obtain LMP inclusions, the [Al] and [O] contents in cutting-wire steel must be controlled within the ranges of 0.5×10-6 to 1.0×10-5 and 3.0×10-6 to 5.0×10-5, respectively.     

Mineral-phase evolution and sintering behavior of MO-SiO2-Al2O3-B2O3 (M=Ca,Ba) glass-ceramics by low-temperature liquid-phase sintering

In this work, network former SiO₂ and network intermediate Al₂O₃ were introduced into typical low-melting binary compositions CaO·B₂O₃, CaO·2B₂O₃, and BaO·B₂O₃ via an aqueous solid-state suspension milling route. Accordingly, multiple-phase aluminosilicate glass-ceramics were directly obtained via liquid-phase sintering at temperatures below 950℃. On the basis of liquid-phase sintering theory, mineral-phase evolutions and glass-phase formations were systematically investigated in a wide MO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃-B₂O₃ (M=Ca, Ba) composition range. The results indicate that major mineral phases of the aluminosilicate glass-ceramics are Al₂₀B₄O₃₆, CaAl₂Si₂O₈, and BaAl₂Si₂O₈ and that the glass-ceramic materials are characterized by dense microstructures and excellent dielectric properties.