A 3-D Method for Determination of Non-Metallic Inclusions in Steel

Production of clean steel requires a good knowledge of non-metallic inclusions. Inclusion characteristics such as composition, size and morphology have a large influence on the properties of the steel products. In present study, inclusion characteristics of steel samples taken during ladle treatment were determined using a 3-D method. This method includes analysis of inclusions on the film filters after electrolytic extraction (EE) of non-metallic inclusions from steel matrix. Chemical composition, size and morphology of inclusions were determined using the EE method. More specifically, both micro area quantitative and qualitative element mapping analyses were carried out using an SEM equipped with EDS. It was found that filter matrix has no influence on the analysis of the chemical composition of inclusions except for carbon, which is present in the filter matrix material. Based on the chemical composition three types of inclusions were categorized. Finally, the relation of the composition and size of inclusions was determined.

A 3-D Method for Determination of Non-Metallic Inclusions in Steel Keywords:

Inclusion , steel , electrolytic extraction , 3-D method