Thermodynamic study of non-metallic inclusion formation in SAE 1141 steel

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is the thermodynamic study of non-metallic inclusion formation in the CC tundish for SAE 1141 steel. The specific purposes are: 1) obtaining inclusions as function of steel composition and casting temperature. 2) establishing steel chemical composition to form less harmful inclusions to the SAE 1141 steel castability. Simulations using the commercial software FactSage and databases were carried out. Results showed both different solid oxides and liquid phase formation in inclusions by varying calcium content in the steel. Thus, it was possible: 1) to determine both the inclusion composition as a function of aluminum and calcium content of SAE 1141 steel. 2) to establish a range of calcium content in which inclusions are formed predominantly by liquid phase. 3) to calculate percentage of liquid and solid phases in inclusions, and oxides composition as well.