Modification of metal by nanopowder inoculators in the mold of a continuous bar-casting machine: Theoretical principles

Abstract

A promising method of improving internal ingot structure is to use nanomodifiers (nitrides, borides, carbides, etc.), sometimes known as nanopowder inoculators. Nanopowder inoculators, which are active centers of crystallization with a high specific surface, ensure faster and more uniform solidification of steel in the liquid cavity of the continuous ingot, as well as dispersion of the grains; the size of the nonmetallic inclusions is smaller and more uniform. In addition, nanopowder inoculators result in predominantly bulk solidification, with the formation of a uniform disperse structure of the globular crystals, and liquation processes are suppressed.