Effect of LCFeCr Alloy Additions on the Non-metallic Inclusion Characteristics in Ti-Containing Ferritic Stainless Steel

The influence of commercial low carbon ferrochromium (LCFeCr) additions on the inclusion characteristics in Ti-containing ferritic stainless steel was studied by laboratory experiment in this work. The inclusions in steel before and after the FeCr alloy additions were investigated through systematic samplings and microscopy investigations of the liquid steel. Different types of inclusions in the FeCr alloy and steel were detected and the evolution of the inclusion characteristics (e.g., composition, size, morphology, and number density) were investigated. The results showed that the Ti content decreased after the FeCr alloy additions. Furthermore, MnCr2O4 spinel inclusions originating from the FeCr alloys transformed into Ti2O3–Cr2O3-based liquid inclusions and Ti2O3-rich solid inclusions. They were formed due to the reactions between MnCr2O4 and TiN inclusions or dissolved Ti in molten steel. The ratio of Ti/Al in the steel melt has a direct influence on the evolution of inclusions from thermodynamic calculations. The addition of FeCr alloys caused an increased number density of these Ti2O3-containing inclusions and TiN inclusions up to 8 minutes from the time of alloy addition. The increased Cr content from 16 to 24 mass pct due to the FeCr additions can increase the critical N content to form TiN inclusions at a specific Ti content. Overall, this study has contributed to the understanding the behavior of inclusions from LCFeCr alloy during the alloying process in Ti-containing steel.