Micro-particle absorption and removal for future steels

控制微颗粒（夹杂物）对钢性能的影响已成为满足当前先进钢材料高性能要求的关键。提出的研究计划旨在更好地了解夹杂物与炉渣之间的相互作用，以提高夹杂物从钢液中去除的能力，并控制产品中残留的夹杂物的类型。本研究的中期目标是建立一个包含物溶解的数学模型，采用所有关键现象的详细表示。一个项目将利用共聚焦激光扫描显微镜（CSLM）开发复杂氧化物包体尺寸随渣成分、温度和氧分压的动态变化的综合动力学数据，以确定溶解动力学和机理；另一个项目将研究钢液和炉渣界面的夹杂物行为。第三个项目将利用这些数据开发一个数学模型，结合对流和颗粒大小的影响，预测工业条件下包裹体的溶解速率。从长远来看，在这项工作中建立的实验和建模技术将被用于理解钢精炼过程中更广泛的夹杂物去除。提出的方法将提高我们对炼钢过程中发生的精炼反应的理解，通过(1)连续的原位观察，而不是使用浸浸技术对淬火样品进行后分析；(2)建立可靠的动力学模型，优化钢包炼钢和铸造过程中夹杂物控制的工艺条件。该研究为研究生提供了一个高水平的基础研究训练，其中包括最先进的共聚焦激光扫描显微镜。这项工作将有两名博士、一名硕士和三名本科生参与。通过麦克马斯特钢铁研究中心，他们将有机会与广泛的钢铁公司互动，并在完成学业后拥有良好的就业机会。所提出的动力学模型将帮助钢铁生产商避免那些导致加工和质量问题的有问题的夹杂物，并将帮助预测“最低成本”的生产策略，因为更好的过程控制将导致有效的原材料利用和减少耐火材料消耗。这符合加拿大的经济利益，因为这将有助于加拿大钢铁生产商的竞争力和可持续性，加拿大钢铁生产商也是汽车零部件行业的主要供应商，通过为他们提供成本和质量优势，使他们在高价值的钢铁市场中保持竞争力。产品质量的提高包括可成形性和表面质量的提高，也使加拿大的汽车零部件行业受益。

Controlling the effects of micro-particles (inclusions) on steel properties has become critical in meeting the high-performance requirements of current advanced steel materials.The proposed research program aims to better understand the interaction between inclusions and slag to improve the removability of inclusions from liquid steel and to control the type of inclusions remaining in the product.The medium-term objective of this research is to develop a mathematical model of inclusion dissolution employing detailed representations of all critical phenomena.One project will develop comprehensive kinetic data on the dynamic changes in complex oxide inclusion size as a function of slag composition, temperature and oxygen partial pressure using confocal laser scanning microscope (CSLM) to determine the dissolution kinetics and mechanisms; another project will study the inclusions behavior at the interface between liquid steel and slag.The third project will use the data for the development of a mathematical model incorporating effects of convection and particle size to predict inclusion dissolution rates under industrial conditions.In the longer-term, the experimental and modeling techniques established in this work will be employed in understanding a broader range of inclusions-removal in the refining of steel. The proposed approach will improve our understanding of refining reactions occurring in steelmaking by (1) continuous in-situ observation as opposed to post analysis of quenched samples using dip technique; and (2) development of reliable kinetics models to optimize the process conditions for inclusion control in ladle steelmaking and casting processes.The proposed research provides an excellent level of fundamental research training incorporating a state of the art confocal laser scanning microscope for graduate students.This work will engage two Ph.D.s, one M.A.Sc and three undergraduate students.They will have the opportunity, through the McMaster Steel Research Centre, to interact with a wide range of steel companies and will have excellent employment opportunities when their studies are finished.The proposed kinetic model will assist steel producers in avoiding those problematic inclusions that lead to processing and quality problems and will assist in predicting "lowest cost" production strategies since better process control will result in efficient raw materials utilization and reduced refractory consumption. This is in Canada's economic interest, as it will contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of Canada's steel producers, who are also key suppliers to the auto-parts industry, by providing them with cost and quality advantages to remain competitive in the high-value end of the steel market.Product quality improvements include improved formability and surface quality also benefiting Canada's auto parts industries.