Influence of low-alloy cast steel modification on primary structure refinement, type and shape of non-metallic inclusions

Abstract

In the article there are presented methods and results of investigation which main aim were determination of influence of melting technology (gas extraction, vacuum refining, slag refining and extraction, deoxidation and degassing) and type of used modifiers on the type and shape of non-metallic inclusions and the primary structure refining. Low alloy cast steel melted in laboratory conditions, in an inductive furnace was investigated. Additions of FeNb, FeV, FeTi and FeZr modifiers were applied. The contents of oxygen and nitrogen in obtained cast steel were determined. The most advantageous impact on refining of the primary structure of has been found for the modifiers FeTi+FeZr. In cast steel with the addition of Zr the conglomerates from a different non -metallic inclusions have been observed. Zirconium probably plays role of the nucleus - creating for other inclusions present in the conglomerates. Clusters of inclusions due to their size affect the crystallization and grain growth processes reducing grain size of the primary structure.