Estimation of the segregation in a high carbon cast steel by thermoelectric power means

Abstract

This research study proposes the hot-cold tip thermoelectric power (TEP) method to estimate alloying elements segregation and the microstructure variation of high carbon steel cast in a mold. Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) showed a higher concentration of carbon, nickel, chromium and aluminum at the ingot center. That elemental saturation produced an increase in perlite content as well as hardness. The non-destructive technique of thermoelectric power was applied varying the hot tip temperature (40 oC, 50 oC, 60 oC, 70 oC), where higher temperature values showed to be more sensitive to segregation and microstructural changes. The statistical analysis showed that the thermoelectric power technique is more sensitive to detect the nickel and chromium concentration changes.