Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Non-Metallic Inclusions in High-Silicon Steel after Hot Rolling

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of non-metallic inclusions occurring in high-silicon steels containing about 3% Si of terms of their type, volume fraction and morphology. The inclusions were divided into 3 main groups: oxides, sulfides, nitrides which together can also form complex. The work was based on numerous metallographic observations in two sections (longitudinal and transverse to the rolling direction). The study was performed on three casts differing in chemical composition. The analyzed casts were characterized by a different content of non-metallic inclusions, which can be associated with slight differences in chemical composition. The analyzed results showed that the most common inclusions were oxides and nitrides. Sulfides occurred sporadically.