The Influence of Adsorbed Al2O3 Inclusions on the Viscosity Behavior of Mould Slag

Abstract

The role of slag in the process of continuous casting of steel (CCS) is reduced to the thermal and chemical insulation of the liquid steel surface, and additionally to refining. The ability to adsorb non-metallic inclusions flowing off from the crystallizer, mainly Al2O3, determines its physicochemical properties. As a result of adsorption and dissolution of inclusions tin he liquid layer the viscosity and thickness of mould flux change, which eventually affects the technological parameters and behavior of slag in the crystallizer. The influence of aluminum oxide on the viscosity of slag was empirically investigated with a structural viscosity model worked out by Nakamoto. The results of the simulation are presented in the form of plots. Authors observed a significant influence of Al2O3 on the slag viscosity, which suggests that this effect should be taken into account when selecting chemical composition of mould flux for definite types of steel. The results of calculations also show that the disturbances in casting caused by the use of the mould slag may be connected with the content of non-metallic inclusions in steel.