Effect of Calcium Addition on Oxide and Sulfide Inclusions in Heavy Steel Ingot Simulated by Lab Experiments

The effect of calcium addition on inclusions (oxides and sulfides) in heavy steel ingot is investigated via lab experiments and thermodynamic calculation. The characteristics (chemistry, size, morphology, and number) of inclusions in the steel samples are investigated by scanning electron microscope with an energy‐dispersive spectrometer. The three‐dimensional morphology of inclusions is investigated by the nonaqueous solution electrolysis method. Inclusions in the fast‐quenched steel are changed from Al 2 O 3 to Al 2 O 3 –CaO, Al 2 O 3 –CaO–CaS, and CaS after Ca addition. After slow cooling, inclusions in the solid steels are changed from Al 2 O 3 , single MnS, and Al 2 O 3 –MnS complex inclusions to Al 2 O 3 –CaO–CaS–MnS and CaS–MnS. The evolution trajectory of inclusions is Al 2 O 3 →Al 2 O 3 –CaO→Al 2 O 3 –CaO–CaS→Al 2 O 3 –CaO–CaS–MnS. With increasing Ca content in the steel, the number density and proportion of single MnS inclusions decrease. The formation mechanism of inclusions after Ca addition is explained by thermodynamic calculation.