Analysis and control of surface cracks in a B-bearing continuous casting blooms

Abstract

Abstract In this work, normal manufacture of a B-bearing steel was hampered by cracks in steel. In order to control these cracks, the formation mechanism has been examined through a comprehensive analysis of crack morphology, element segregation, high temperature mechanical properties, and precipitates. The high-temperature thermoplastic capabilities of the steel were found to be reduced by boron nitride particles precipitated at grain boundary. This led to the formation of a brittle zone in the straightening zone of the continuous casting process, which in turn caused cracks. Based on the formation mechanism of these cracks, the cracks were successfully controlled by adding an appropriate amount of Ti element to the steel and reducing the charging temperature of the heating furnace.