Abstract
Thermo-physical properties of the liquid metals and alloys play an essential role in modeling and controlling metallurgical processes. In particular, surface tension of metals has a strong impact on wetting various surfaces. Boron is added in numerous iron-based alloys as micro-alloying component. In existing literature, there is no general agreement with the effect of boron on the surface tension. The present study focuses on investigations of boron micro-alloying on the surface tension of iron and CrMnNi alloys by the maximum bubble pressure method (MBP). In contrast to other techniques, maximum bubble pressure technique is less affected by the evaporation of surface-active elements and the purity of the atmosphere around the sample. Measurement of the surface tension was accomplished before and after in situ addition of boron to the molten metal phase. Samples were molten in ZrO2 and Al2O3 crucibles and yttria-PSZ capillaries were used for the experiments. Measurements were carried out at 1550 °C in argon atmosphere and argon as bubbles formation media. Results of the experiments indicate a minor effect of boron on the surface tension of liquid iron. Effect of boron on the surface tension of steels is discussed in the context of other surface-active elements present.
Highlights
Thermophysical properties of the iron-based alloys play an essential role in the processing of steel and ferroalloys
The present study focuses on investigations of boron micro-alloying on the surface tension of iron and CrMnNi alloys by the maximum bubble pressure method (MBP)
Results of the experiments indicate a minor effect of boron on the surface tension of liquid iron
Summary
Thermophysical properties of the iron-based alloys play an essential role in the processing of steel and ferroalloys. It is well known that in the process of inert gas atomization, [1, 2], physical properties such as surface tension, viscosity, and density of the liquid metal have a serious impact on the process. Within the project CRC 799 TRIP-Matrix-Composites, the effects of sulfur, phosphorus, and selenium on the surface tension of TRIP/TWIP steel alloys have already been studied. Sulfur and selenium have shown tremendous surface tension reduction effect for medium-manganese TRIP steels [3], these alloying elements may be of little interest for industrial application. Boron was previously tested on the liquid iron. Dubberstein et al [4] have indicated reduction of the contact angle between boron-alloyed iron and alumina substrate compared to the pure iron sample
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