Cathodic reduction process of Al–Cu–Y alloy in fluoride-oxide eutectic system via molten salt electrolysis

Al-Cu-Y alloys were prepared by molten salt electrolysis in fluoride-oxide system composed of electrolyte(Na_3 AlF_6-AlF_3-LiF-MgF_2) and oxide(Al_2 O_3-CuO-Y_2 O_3). Cathodic reduction process of Al_2 O_3,CuO and Y_2 O_3 were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Components and phase composition of alloy samples prepared by potentiostatic electrolysis were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results show that the Al-Cu-Y alloy can be prepared in the AIF_3-NaF-5 wt%LiF-5 wt%MgF2(NaF/AlF_3 = 2.2, molecular ratio) eutectic system with mixed oxide(Al_2 O_3-CuO-Y_2 O_3) through 2 h at the conditions of a temperature of 1208 K, cell voltage3.0 V, cathode current density 0.7 A/cm~2. Al(Ⅲ) and Cu(Ⅱ) ions can be reduced to zero valence Al(0) and Cu(0) directly on carbonaceous electrode surface by instantaneous nucleation, respectively, the reduction process is controlled by diffusion. The reduction potential of Y(Ⅲ) ions is close to the active ions of fluoride melts, but strengthened phase AI3 Y can be formed through electrochemical reduction and alloyed process with active Al(Ⅲ) and Cu(Ⅱ) ions, meanwhile, the Al_2 Cu and Al_3 Y phases are distributed at the grain boundary of Al matrix.     

Structure and Texture of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Alloy 617 for Very High Temperature Applications

High energy mechanically milled Alloy 617 ODS powder was consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique and subsequently annealed at 650 °C and 1050 °C (923 K and 1323 K). Microstructure and microtexture evolution during SPS and annealing have been investigated. SPS consolidated sample exhibited heterogeneous microstructure with ultra-fine grains surrounded by coarse grains. Inhomogeneous distribution of plastic deformation induced during ball milling resulted in heterogeneous nucleation and further grain growth during consolidation. The bimodal microstructure is advantageous with coarse grains providing ductility and fine grains providing strength by the Hall–Petch relationship. The bimodal grains structure was also retained during annealing. As-sintered specimen showed 〈100〉 texture parallel to the compression axis due to dynamic recrystallization during the SPS process. At 650 °C, annealed sample exhibited 〈111〉 annealing texture parallel to compression axis. The texture was randomized in sample annealed at 1050 °C. Precipitation analysis by SEM, XRD and TEM showed the presence of M₂₃C₆, M₆C and Al₂O₃ in both As-sintered and annealed samples. Dispersoids analysis showed the presence of fine and uniform Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₄Al₂O₉ and a complex oxide rich in Ni, Y, Al and O. Stress–strain analysis from instrumented indentation test shows higher yield strength for Alloy 617 ODS in comparison with conventional Alloy 617.

     

Oxide coarsening and its influence on recrystallization in a mechanically alloyed Fe-base oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloy

Analytical transmission electron microscopy has been used to determine whether yttria particles readily coarsen in oxide-dispersion-strengthened ferritic stainless alloy (PM2000), in an attempt to contribute to a model that explains the directionality of the microstructure observed when this material undergoes recrystallization under isothermal conditions. Likewise, the role of Al₂O₃ particles in the recrystallization processes of alumina-enriched PM2000 alloy has been studied via the addition of 1 wt pct Al₂O₃ particles as dispersoids. A carbon extraction replica technique was used to show that no coarsening of the yttria dispersion occurred even under exaggerated heat treatment at 1380 °C for 1 hour. By contrast, a significant ripening of alumina particles occurred apparently without influence on the recrystallization processes.     

ODS ferritic steels produced by an alternative route (STARS): microstructural characterisation after atomisation,HIPping and heat treatments

The conventional PM ODS Ferritic Steel (FS) processing route includes gas atomisation of steel powder and its mechanical alloying (MA) with Y₂O₃ powder particles to dissolve yttrium and form, during consolidation, a dispersion of oxide nanoparticles (Y–Ti–O) in a nanostructured matrix. This work presents an alternative route to produce ODS steels avoiding MA: STARS (Surface Treatment of gas Atomized powder followed by Reactive Synthesis). STARS FS powders with composition Fe–14Cr–2W–0.3Ti–0.23Y, already containing the nanoparticles precursors, were gas-atomized. Oxygen, Y and Ti contents were tailored to the required values to form Y–Ti–O nanoparticles during processing. Powders were HIPped at 900, 1220 and 1300°C. Specimens HIPped at 900 and 1220°C were heat treated (HT) at temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1320°C. The microstructural evolution with HIP and HT temperatures, including characterisation of nanoparticles and feasibility of achieving complete dissolution of prior particle boundaries (PPBs) were assessed.     

Phase Equilibria in Liquid Metal of the Cu–Al–Cr–O System

A thermodynamic analysis of phase equilibria in the Cu–Al–Cr–O system is carried out. Thermodynamic modeling of the liquidus surface of the Cu₂O–Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃ oxide phase diagram is performed. To describe activities of an oxide melt, the approximation of the theory of subregular ionic solutions, the energy parameters of which were determined during modeling, is used. Melting characteristics of the CuCrO₂ compound are also evaluated in the course of the calculation. Coordinates of invariant equilibria points implemented in the Cu₂O–Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃ ternary oxide system are established by the results of the calculation. Thermodynamic modeling of interaction processes in the Cu–Al–Cr–O system in occurrence conditions of a copper-based metal melt is also performed. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant of the reaction that characterizes the formation of the CuCrO₂ solid compound from components of the metal melt of the Cu–Al–Cr–O system is determined. The temperature dependence for the first-order interaction parameter (by Wagner) of chromium and oxygen dissolved in liquid copper is found. The results of thermodynamic modeling for the Cu–Al–Cr–O system are presented in the form of the solubility surface of components in metal, which makes it possible to attribute the quantitative variations in the metal melt concentration with qualitative variations in the composition of forming interaction products. It is determined by the results of modeling that particles of the |Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃|_sol.sln solid solution are formed at valuable aluminum and chromium concentrations in the copper melt of the Cu–Al–Cr–O system as the main interaction product. The results of the investigation can be interesting for improving the technology process of smelting of chromium bronzes.     

Preparation of Al2O3/Y2O3 composite coating for deuterium permeation reduction

A tritium permeation barrier is required in fusion blankets for the reduction of fuel loss and radiological hazard. In this study, an Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃ composite coating was prepared on 316L stainless steel by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering in order to improve the tritium permeation resistance. The microstructure and the phase composition of the Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃ composite coating are observed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. Moreover, Auger electron spectroscopy was used to characterize the depth profiles of Al, Y and O elements. The results clearly indicate that the Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃ composite coating is fully dense and the total thickness is approximately 340 nm. The Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃ coating consists of an amorphous Al₂O₃ and the cubic Y₂O₃, in which Al, Y and O elements are homogeneously distributed in the vertical base direction. Furthermore, the deuterium permeation property of the Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃ composite coating was measured by the gas phase permeation method. The results show that the introduction of an interface and the existence of a tiny amount of micro-defects improve the deuterium resistance of the Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃ coating, and its deuterium permeation reduction factor is 536–750 at 873–973 K. Therefore, it is concluded that the Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃ composite coating as deuterium permeation barrier can significantly enhance the deuterium permeation resistance property.     

Nitrogen Ceramics: Liquid Phase Sintering

Abstract

The role of a minor silicate eutectic liquid phase as a transport medium in sintering hot–pressed silicon nitride (β Si₃N₄) ceramics was identified in the 1970s. A similar mechanism is applicable to hot–pressed Si–Al–O–N ceramic alloys which offer an advantage in control of the final liquid volume and hence in superior high temperature mechanical properties. By increasing the liquid volume it is possible to densify ceramic alloys without application of pressure at the sintering temperature and hence to fabricate components of complex shape. The Lucas Syalon ceramics typify the new range of pressureless–sintered ceramics based on the β Si₃N₄ structure. They are fabricated from the ultrafine compound powders α Si₃N₄, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Y₂O₃, and a polytypoid phase (a substitute for A1N). The ceramics consist of submicrometre solid solution crystals of general composition Si_3?xAl_xO_xN_4?x(x < 1) within a minor matrix phase which may be either a glassy Y–Si–Al oxynitride or be crystallized to form yttrogarnet. Analysis of matrix glass compositions shows them to be residues of liquids near to a ternary eutectic in the Y₂O₃–SiO₂–Al₂O₃ system which is well below the sintering temperature of ～ 1800°C. Sintering models, based on particle rearrangement due to dissolution of the major α Si₃N₄ component in the eutectic liquid and its reprecipitation as a β Si₃N₄ solid solution, are discussed. Properties and current applications of Syalon ceramics are surveyed briefly. PM/0266     

Morphology and growth of alumina inclusions in Fe–Al alloys at low oxygen partial pressure

Abstract

The degree of supersaturation is a factor that influences the Al₂O₃ inclusion characteristics in steel. The influence of the addition of a large amount of Al in the molten steel on the formation, growth and morphology of Al₂O₃ inclusions was investigated by laboratory scale experiments. Consecutive steel samples were taken during the deoxidation process and subjected to chemical analysis (ICP-AES), automated image analysis (AIA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assessment with respect to the extracted inclusions. The characterisation and quantification of Al₂O₃ particles show different growth processes, leading to variations in particle size distribution as well as in the morphology.     

Structural Studies of Dispersoids in Fe–15 wt% Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–5 wt% Ti Model ODS Alloys During Milling and Subsequent Annealing

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels have very high thermal stability and creep resistance due to reinforcement of hard and stable nano-sized ceramic dispersoids in metallic matrix which act as barriers to dislocation motion. This study established the role of Ti in the structural evolution of yttria during mechanical milling and subsequent annealing in a Fe–15 wt% Y₂O₃–5 wt% Ti model ODS alloy, using electron microscopy and XRD techniques. The alloy was synthesized in a high energy planetary ball mill in Ar atmosphere by varying the milling durations in the range of 0 (un-milled) to 60 h. The XRD result revealed amorphisation of Y₂O₃/Ti during milling and evolution of YTiO₃ complex oxide upon annealing at 1273 K for 1 h. The electron microscopy studies revealed the refinement of alloy powders from ~50  μm to few nanometers during milling. Electron diffraction analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy of 60 h milled as well as and annealed powder showed formation of different types of Y–Ti–O complex oxides such as Y₂Ti₂O₇, Y₂TiO₅ and YTiO₃.     

Study of Structural and Mechanical Properties of Al/Nano-Al2O3 Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy Method

In this work, the (1???x) Al–xAl₂O₃ (x?=?0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%) of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) has been manufactured using the powder metallurgy technique. Aluminium metal powder (Al) was used as the matrix material, and alumina nanoparticles (Al₂O₃) synthesized by the sol–gel method were used as the reinforcing material to produce the MMNCs. Two phases of Al₂O₃ have been identified, i.e. the α-phase (rhombohedral structure) and the δ-phase (orthorhombic structure) by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) of synthesized Al₂O₃ nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 31.33 nm. The average particle size of the Al₂O₃ nanoparticle is obtained as 39.6 nm. The XRD patterns of the Al–Al₂O₃ nanocomposites contain the Al and Al₂O₃ peaks that confirm the development of the MMNC without any solid-state reaction during the manufacturing process. FESEM micrographs show an almost uniform distribution of Al₂O₃ particles in the Al metal matrix. The reinforcement of the Al₂O₃ nanoparticles in the Al metal matrix has shown an improvement in hardness by increasing the wt% of Al₂O₃ in Al matrix, and a maximum 24.8% improvement in hardness is observed for 4 wt% Al₂O₃ sample. An increase in wear rate is observed with the increasing wt% of Al₂O₃ in the Al metal matrix in Al–Al₂O₃ nanocomposite. The addition of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles in the Al matrix has resulted in improved corrosion performance of the samples with a maximum corrosion resistance efficiency of 85.6% for 4 wt% Al₂O₃ in Al metal matrix.

     

Transient Behavior of Inclusion Chemistry,Shape, and Structure in Fe-Al-Ti-O Melts: Effect of Titanium Source and Laboratory Deoxidation Simulation

During ladle processing of interstitial-free (IF) steel melts, it is possible for transient titanium-containing oxides to be formed if the local titanium/aluminum (Ti/Al) ratio is locally and temporarily increased after aluminum killing. The phase stability diagrams suggest that if the Ti/Al ratio is increased, then Al₂TiO₅ and/or a liquid Al-Ti-O region can become stable, and eventually at even higher Ti/Al ratios, Ti₃O₅ becomes stable. In this study, the Ti/Al ratio was successively altered to investigate (1) how the inclusions evolved after titanium addition to aluminum-killed iron melts and (2) whether the inclusions present after sufficient time were those predicted by thermodynamics. When the Ti/Al ratio was maintained at 1/4, such that Al₂O₃ is the only thermodynamically stable oxide, the results show that transient titanium-containing oxides exist temporarily after titanium addition, but with time, the predominant inclusion was Al₂O₃, which would generate little shape change and produce transient stage inclusions with less titanium contents. When the Ti/Al ratio was increased to 1/1 (Al₂O₃ still being the only thermodynamically stable oxide), the results show a more distinct increase in the titanium content of the transient inclusions. The transient reaction was, in this case, accompanied by an irreversible shape change from spherical to irregular inclusions. When the Ti/Al ratio in the melt was increased to 15/1 within the Al₂TiO₅ stable phase region, the inclusion population evolved from spherical-dominant ones to irregular ones. It was found that the final inclusion chemistry has more titanium but less aluminum content compared with the expected from the Al₂TiO₅ chemistry. Besides, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed the existence of Ti₂O. When the Ti/Al ratio in the melt was increased such that Ti₃O₅ is the thermodynamically stable inclusion (Ti/Al ratio of 75/1 or ∞), the inclusions evolved after titanium addition toward TiO_x inclusions, which is accompanied by a shape change from spherical to irregular. The TEM results revealed and confirmed the existence of metastable Ti₂O besides the thermodynamically stable Ti₃O₅, and it was consistent with the results based on oxidation studies of thin layers of titanium with Al₂O₃ substrate. It was discovered that Ti₂O has the tendency of transforming into the thermodynamically stable phase Ti₃O₅ under certain conditions.     

Correlation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of oxide-dispersion-strengthened coppers fabricated by internal oxidation

This study was aimed at the correlation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) coppers fabricated by internal oxidation. Atomized copper powders mixed with Cu₂O oxidant powders were internally oxidized and then hot extruded to fabricate ODS coppers without defects. In order to sufficiently oxidize copper powders, oxidant powders should be added in amounts 30 pct in excess of the stoichiometrically calculated amount. In the extruded ODS coppers, very fine Al₂O₃ dispersoids of 10 nm in diameter were homogeneously distributed inside copper grains of 1 μm in size. The volume fraction of Al₂O₃ dispersoids increased as the Al content in atomized copper powders increased. With increasing volume fractions of Al₂O₃ dispersoids, the yield and tensile strengths increased, while the elongation and electrical conductivity decreased, and all the properties of the ODS coppers were sufficiently above the required properties of electrode materials for spot welding. To understand the mechanism responsible for the improvement of the yield strength of the ODS coppers, yield strength was interpreted using the Orowan’s strengthening model, which was fairly consistent with the experimental results.     

Electrochemical co-reduction of Y(III) and Al(III) in a fluoride molten salt system and electrolytic preparation of Y–Al intermediate alloys

In this study, a molten salt co-reduction method was proposed for preparing Y–Al intermediate alloys and the electrochemical co-reduction behaviors of Y(III) and Al(III) and the reaction mechanism of intermetallic compound formation were investigated by transient electrochemical techniques. The results show that the reduction of Y(III) at the Mo electrode is a reversible electrochemical process with a single-step transfer of three electrons, which is controlled by the mass transfer rate. The diffusion coefficient of Y(III) in the fluoride salt at a temperature of 1323 K is 5.0238 × 10^?3 cm²/s. Moreover, the thermodynamic properties associated with the formation of Y–Al intermetallic compounds were estimated using a steady-state electrochemical method. Y–Al intermediate alloy containing 92 wt% yttrium was prepared by constant current electrolysis at 1323 K in the LiF–YF₃–AlF₃–Y₂O₃ (6 wt%)–Al₂O₃ (1 wt%) system at a cathodic current density of 8 A/cm² for 2 h. The Y–Al intermediate alloy is mainly composed of α-Y₂Al and Y phases. The development and application of this innovative technology have solved major technical problems, such as a long production process, high energy consumption, and serious segregation of alloy elements at this stage.     

Effect of heat treatment on compressive properties of open cell Al/Al2O3 composite foams

Abstract

The sintering and dissolution process was used to produce open cell Al/Al₂O₃ composite foams with a relative density of 0·25–0·40 and a pore size of 112–400 μm. The compressive properties of as fabricated and T6 heat treated Al/Al₂O₃ composite foams were investigated. After T6 heat treatment, the yield strength of the open cell Al/Al₂O₃ composite foams is increased relative to the untreated material. T6 heat treatment gives rise to a mean 36% increase in the compression yield strength of the open cell Al/Al₂O₃ composite foams. The yield strength of as fabricated and T6 heat treated Al/Al₂O₃ composite foams shows a significant dependence on the relative density and also exhibits a distinct dependence on the pore size. After T6 heat treatment, the influence of the relative density and pore size on the compressive behaviour of Al/Al₂O₃ composite foams becomes more distinct.     

In situ formation of FeAl–Al2O3 nanocomposite at different conditions of milling and subsequent annealing

Abstract

FeAl–Al₂O₃ nanocomposite powder was synthesised under different conditions of milling and annealing. The structure, morphology and microstructure of the milled powders were monitored by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively. Results showed that the formation of FeAl and Al₂O₃ took place in explosive mode during milling with the cup speed of 600 rev min^?1. However, at the cup speed of 500 rev min^?1, FeAl and Al₂O₃ were synthesised only during annealing. Formation of the FeAl and Al₂O₃ was completed after 120, 270 and 360 min of milling at the ball to powder weight ratios (BPRs) of 5∶1, 15∶1 and 10∶1 respectively. Maximum microhardness of 8·8 GPa was obtained in the 270 min milled sample with the BPR of 15∶1 and cup speed of 600 rev min^?1. Mean grain size of 30 nm was calculated in the annealed FeAl that was in consistent with TEM results.     

Density of Na3AlF6–AlF3–LiF–MgF2–Al2O3–Sm2O3 molten salt melt for Al–Sm alloy

Samarium (Sm) has been widely used in making aluminum (Al)–Sm magnet alloy materials. The research team for this study developed a molten salt electrolyte system which directly produces Al–Sm alloy to replace the energy intensive conventional distillation technology. In this study, molten melt density was measured and operation conditions were optimized to separate Al–Sm alloy product from the fluoride molten melt electrolysis media based on density differences. Archimedes' principle was applied to measure density for the basic molten fluoride system (BMFS: Na₃AlF₆–AlF₃–LiF–MgF₂) electrolysis media in the temperature range from 905 to 1055 °C. The impact of temperature (t) and the Al₂O₃ and Sm₂O₃ addition ratio (w_(Al2O3), w_(Sm2O3)) in the basic fluoride system on molten melt density was examined. The fluoride molten melt density relationship was determined to be: ρ = 3.11701 ? 0.00802w_(Al2O3) + 0.027825w_(Sm2O3) ? 0.00117t. The test results showed that molten density decreases with increase in temperature and Al₂O₃ addition ratio, and increases with the addition of Sm₂O₃, and/or Al₂O₃ + Sm₂O_3. The separation of Al–Sm (density 2.3 g/cm³) product melt from the BMFS melt is achieved by controlling the BMFS density to less than 2.0 g/cm³. It is concluded that the optimal operation conditions to control the BMFS molten salt density to less than 2.0 g/cm³ are: maintain addition of Al₂O₃ + Sm₂O₃ (w_(Al2O3) + w_(Sm2O3)) < 9% of Na₃AlF₆, Al₂O₃/Sm₂O₃ ratio (w_(Al2O3):w_(Sm2O3)) > 7:3, and temperature between 965 and 995 °C.     

Relationship between structure and viscosity of CaO–SiO2–MgO–30.00 wt-%Al2O3 slag by molecular dynamics simulation with FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy

Structure of CaO–SiO₂–MgO–30.00?wt-%Al₂O₃ slag was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation at 1873?K, and viscosities with different basicities were measured for quantitatively studying the relationship between structure and viscosity. With the increase of basicity, the three-dimensional networks formed by Si and Al are depolymerised, which is consistent with the analysis using FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, FT-IR analysis shows a dampening of [Al–O–Si] trough, indicating a decrease in the linkage between [SiO₄] and [AlO₄]. Increasing the basicity results in that the BO decreases rapidly, while NBO increases from 32.75% up to 50.23%, which leads to the decrease of viscosity. Variations of CN_Al–O and Al–O–Al indicate that Al₂O₃ prefers to form complicated unit, and Al₂O₃ within this slag should act as a network former. Calculated activation energies of samples A11–A14 are 212, 186, 168 and 161?kJ?mol^?1, respectively. Variation of viscosity linearly depends on Q⁴, and a strong linear relationship could also be found between viscosity and NBO/T. However, the variation of activation energy mainly depends on Q⁴(Si) comparing with Q⁴(Al), Q⁴(Si?+?Al) or NBO/T.     

Dissolution rate of Al2O3 into molten CaO–Al2O3–CaF2 flux

Abstract

Dissolution of Al₂O₃ into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂, a base system of mould flux for continuous casting of high Al steel, has been investigated by employing a rotating cylinder method. The dissolution rate of an alumina rod into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂ flux increased with increase in rotating speed and temperature. The apparent activation energy for mass transport of flux C was calculated to be 255·6 kJ mol^?1. The rate controlling step during the dissolution process of the alumina rod into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂ flux was found to be the diffusion of the solute in the flux boundary layer. The dissolution rate of alumina into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂ flux increased with increasing CaO/Al₂O₃, and it may be caused by the increase in thermodynamic driving force and the decrease in the viscosity of the flux. When the Al₂O₃ rod was immersed into molten flux, an intermediate compound of CaO.2Al₂O₃ formed firstly and then dissolved into molten flux.     

Thermophysical Properties of Continuous Casting Mold Flux for Advanced Steel Developments

The effect of Al₂O₃ on the crystallization and viscosity of calcium-silicate based fluxes with Na₂O and Li₂O additions used for continuous casting mold fluxes have been studied using the confocal laser scanning microscope and the rotating spindle rheometer. Al₂O₃ additions lowered the crystallization temperature of the flux and several crystalline phases for fluxes with high concentrations of SiO₂ forms depending on the cooling rate. High Al₂O₃ containing fluxes formed relatively few crystalline phases and were not highly dependent on the cooling rate. At slow cooling rates of 25 K/min for 10 and 20 wt% Al₂O₃ containing samples, SEM images revealed dendrites formed within the crystalline phases. At faster cooling rates the dendrite formation is inhibited and a spherical morphology could be observed. The substitution of SiO₂ with Al₂O₃ content modified the dominant silicate network into complex alumino-silicates. This increased the viscosity of the melt. FTIR and Raman analysis showed increased amounts of symmetric Al–O⁰ stretching with higher Al₂O₃. With higher CaO/(SiO₂ + Al₂O₃), the symmetric Al–O⁰ stretching and the Si–O–Al seems to decrease.     

Influence of refining slag composition on cleanness and fatigue life of 60Si2MnA spring steel

The influence of basicity and Al₂O₃ content of LF refining slag on T.[O] (total oxygen) as well as type, number and size of non-metallic inclusions in Al killed 60Si2MnA spring steel was investigated. The results showed that with the increase of slag basicity R(CaO/SiO₂) or the decrease of Al₂O₃ content in slag, the T.[O], number and size of non-metallic inclusions decreased significantly. On the one hand, as the slag basicity increased, inclusions in steel were transformed from Al₂O₃–SiO₂–CaO–MgO quaternary system to Al₂O₃–SiO₂–CaO–MgO–CaS quinary system, which made the formation of voids between inclusions and steel matrix to decrease. Furthermore, thermodynamic calculations showed that CaS could only form in steel (R?≥?3.4). Al₂O₃–SiO₂–CaO–MgO came close to the compositions of the low melting point area, while Al₂O₃–SiO₂–CaO–MgO–CaS deviated from this. On the other hand, as the Al₂O₃ content in slag increased, Al₂O₃–SiO₂–CaO–MgO–CaS came close to the compositions of the low melting point area. In conclusion, the cleanness and fatigue life of 60Si2MnA spring steel had been improved by the increase of slag basicity or the decrease of Al₂O₃ content in slag.