Rapid Identification of Calcium Aluminate Inclusions in Steels Using Cathodoluminescence Analysis

Susumu Imashuku, Kazuaki Wagatsuma

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We propose a method to identify calcium aluminate inclusions in calcium-treated aluminum-killed steels (Ca12Al14O33, CaAl4O7, CaAl12O19, and Al2O3) using cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis. Such inclusions result in nozzle clogging and melting of the stopper rod during continuous casting. We obtain CL images and CL spectra of calcium aluminate inclusions in model samples of calcium-treated aluminum-killed steel. The model samples are prepared by heating mixtures of Fe powder, Al powder, and Ca shot at 1550 °C in an argon atmosphere. On the basis of the CL colors and CL spectra of the calcium aluminate inclusions, we demonstrate that it is possible to distinguish Ca12Al14O33, CaAl4O7, CaAl12O19, and Al2O3 inclusions from CaAl2O4 and Ca3Al10O18 inclusions, which do not cause nozzle clogging and melting of the stopper rod, by comparing CL images obtained using digital cameras with and without a built-in filter. The acquisition times for the CL images are less than 10 seconds. Thus, the method we present here can be applied for the rapid detection of harmful calcium aluminate inclusions during continuous casting. The CL spectra also provide basic information to specify compositions in agglomerated calcium aluminate inclusions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2868-2874
Number of pages7
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions B: Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science
Volume49
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Oct 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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