Study on dispersion of nano ZrO2 particles in pure iron based on high temperature laser confocal

Abstract

Nano ZrO2 particles were modified and their morphology were analyzed and characterized. The distribution and dispersion of untreated nano ZrO2 particles and pre-dispersed nano ZrO2 particles were compared. Instead of traditional induction heating furnace, physical melting model was constructed by high temperature laser confocal microscope. Pre-dispersed modified nano ZrO2 particles and untreated nano ZrO2 particles were added to the iron powder respectively. The movement and morphology of nanoparticles during solidification of molten steel were observed. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the distribution of nanoparticles. Morisita’s index was used to calculate the dispersion uniformity quantitatively. The results show that the untreated nano ZrO2 particles agglomerate at the edge, and it is difficult to exist stably in the metal. The pre-dispersed nano ZrO2 particles are evenly dispersed in molten steel without obvious agglomeration and have better dispersion.