Effect of MgO content in refining slag on the non-metallic inclusions in tire cord steel

Abstract

In order to weaken the corrosion of refractory during the refining process of tire cord steel, the MgO content in the low basicity (w(CaO)/w(SiO2)≈1.0) slags was increased from 7.9% to 12.6% in industrial experiments. The evolution and removal of inclusions during the refining process were investigated, and the slag properties were also measured in laboratory. It is found that during the refining process, the contents of Al2O3 and CaO generally climb in the inclusions, and SiO2 and MnO contents drop accordingly. Even though, the increase of MgO contents in the refining slag has no obvious effect on the evolution trend and the final composition of inclusions. Therefore, the plasticity of inclusions would not be evidently influenced. On the other hand, with the increase of MgO content in slags, the viscosity and surface tension of the refining slags decrease, while the melting point and the melting rate increase. Due to the lower viscosity and surface tension, a higher MgO content in the slag is beneficial for the removal of inclusions in steel. So, a suitable increase of MgO content in the refining slags is suggested considering the melting point of the slag.