Transient evolution of non-metallic inclusions in molten high aluminum and high manganese steel contacting with slag and crucible: experimental investigation and FactSage macros modeling

Abstract

In this work, high temperature experiments of high Al molten steel contacting with crucible and slag were performed to investigate the effect of crucible–slag–steel reaction on transient evolution of inclusions in the high Al molten steel. Processing samples were taken for the chemical compositions of steel and also the inclusions have been characterized by using SEM and EDS AZtec. FactSage macros have been applied to simulate the evolution of molten steel composition and inclusions in molten steel during steel-slag reaction and comparing to the experimental results. Due to the steel–crucible–slag reactions especially under the condition of the high Al molten steel, the Ca and Mg transferred from slag and crucible to the molten steel and then subsequently led to the evolution of Mg and Ca-containing inclusions. The Mg inclusions transferred from MgAl2O4 to MgO inclusions while Ca transferred to steel and modified MgAl2O4 at crucible interface to form CaMgAl2O5 phase. The FactSage macros modeling did agree reasonably well with the experimental results.