Application of Some Modern Analytical Techniques for Characterization of Non-Metallic Inclusions in a Fe-10mass%Ni Alloy Deoxidized by Ti/Zr and Ti/Mg

Abstract

In this study, a complete and comprehensive analysis of non-metallic inclusions (NMI) in an Fe-10%Ni alloy was done by using two modern analytical methods that complement each other: Electrolytic Extraction (EE) of inclusions from metal samples followed by investigations by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fractional Gas Analysis (FGA). The composition, morphology, size and number of different NMIs and clusters were investigated in metal samples taken after deoxidation by additions of Ti, Ti/Zr and Ti/Mg. The obtained results were discussed with respect to formation, modification and removal of NMIs and clusters depending on the type of deoxidations and the holding time. It was found that the peaks of oxygen reduced from different oxide inclusions obtained by the FGA measurements corresponded well to the main types of inclusions and clusters observed by using the EE + SEM method. More specifically, the total O content in oxide inclusions (ONMI) increases by 10% after a Zr addition and then decreases linearly by 40% during 5 min of holding due to flotation of NMIs and clusters. However, after a Mg addition in the melt deoxidized by Ti, the ONMI content decreases drastically by 63% during 5 min of holding, due to a fast floatation of NMIs caused by bubbles of vaporized Mg.

Keywords

• Fe-10%Ni alloy
• complex deoxidation
• oxide non-metallic inclusions
• electrolytic extraction
• fractional gas analysis