| Abstract: | To improve the heat transfer capability and the crystallization property of the traditional mold flux, CaF_2 was replaced with B_2O_3. Then, the influences of CeO_2 on the heat transfer and the crystallization of the CaF_2-bearing mold flux and the new mold flux with 10 wt% B_2O_3 were studied using a slag film heat flux simulator and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The results revealed that the addition of CeO2 reduced the heat transfer by increasing the solid slag thickness and the crystallization of two mold fluxes. However, CeO_2 had less effect on the B_2O_3-containing mold flux compared with the CaF_2-bearing mold flux. According to the analyses, the CeO_2 contents in the CaF_2-bearing mold flux and the B_2O_3-containing mold flux should not exceed 8 wt% and 12 wt%, respectively. Therefore, these experimental results are beneficial to improve and develop the mold flux for casting rare earth alloy steels. |
