Mechanism of non-metallic inclusion formation and modification and their deformation during compact strip production (csp) process for aluminum-killed steel

Abstract

The formation and modification of non-metallic inclusions for Al-killed steel during Compact Strip Production Process (CSP Process) was studied by industrial experiments. The thermodynamics for the formation of Al 2O3, MgO·Al2O3 spinel, various calcium aluminates and CaS bearing inclusion were analyzed with the help of calculation software FactSage. It is found that the oxygen activity in liquid steel during LF (Ladle Furnace) refining is confirmed to be determined by the equilibrium between dissolved Al and Al2O3 in inclusion. There are two manners for Al2O3 inclusion modification during LF refining: the first route is followed by Al 2O3-low modified calcium aluminates-liquid calcium aluminates; and the other is as Al2O3- MgO·Al 2O3 spinel-CaO-MgO-Al2O3 multi-component inclusion. In addition, the liquid calcium aluminates have the tendency to be multi-component inclusion. Two types of CaS bearing inclusion could precipitate in a slab during solidification. The favorable modified inclusions deform very well along with steel matrix during rolling process even if they are associated with CaS bearing layer, while the no or low modified Al2O3 based inclusion would be rolled into pieces and the micro-cracks might be generated around the inclusions. © 2013 ISIJ.