Characterization of Impurities and Inclusions in Ferrochrome Alloy and Their Effects on the Inclusion Characteristics in Stainless Steels

Laboratory scale alloying experiments were carried out by the addition of a commercial low carbon ferrochrome (LCFeCr) alloy to 430-grade ferritic stainless steel. The inclusions in FeCr alloys as well as in the steel samples before and after alloy addition were investigated using an electrolytic extraction (EE) technique. The results show that the Ti content decreases after the FeCr alloy addition. MnCr2O4 inclusions from FeCr alloys are transformed into Ti2O3-Cr2O3 based liquid inclusions and Ti2O3-rich solid inclusions. They are formed due to the reactions between MnCr2O4 and either TiN or dissolved Ti, which needs to be further studied. The ratio of Ti/Al in the steel melt has a direct influence on the evolution of the inclusions. The present study aims to contribute for understanding the impurities in FeCr alloys and their effect on the inclusion characteristics for the stainless steel production.