Analysis of the effect of cerium on the formation of non-metallic inclusions in low-carbon steel

Abstract

Abstract The research focused on the influence of cerium on the chemical composition and morphology of non-metallic inclusions in pre-oxidised steel to which Al, Ca, and Ce was added in different amount and order. Calculations were carried out using our own computer program. The simulation results obtained according to two calculation models helped identify precipitates from the Ce–O–S system. The possibility of CeN formation was also identified. The trace amounts of these inclusions were also found in the results. Consideration of the physicochemical phenomena at the boundary, as well as the interfacial partitioning and the sulfur partition coefficient, influences the favourable chemical composition of the inclusions, limiting it mainly to compounds from the Al2O3, Ce2O3, and CaS systems. It was found that the addition of Ce before Ca causes the elimination of MnS precipitates and Ca-containing inclusions in the steel.