METALLOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF NON-METALLIC INCLUSIONS IN SEMI-KILLED STEEL (GRADE 25G2S) DEOXIDIZED WITH A COMPLEX ALLOY Fe-Si-Mn-Al

Abstract

This study presents a metallographic analysis of non-metallic inclusions in steel samples obtained from six different heats of the oxygen converter shop at JSC «Qarmet» and under laboratory conditions at the Karaganda Industrial University. The investigation focused on semi-killed steel samples deoxidized using traditional technology under industrial conditions and with a complex alloy containing Fe-Si-Mn-Al under laboratory conditions, aiming to identify the types and assess the level of contamination by non-metallic inclusions. The results revealed the presence of various types of non-metallic inclusions, such as corundum, chromite spinel, chromium oxides, as well as titanium nitrides and carbonitrides. The degree of contamination by non-metallic inclusions ranged from 2 to 3 points. The analysis showed that the use of a complex Fe-Si-Mn-Al alloy instead of traditional deoxidizers can affect the quantitative and qualitative composition of non-metallic inclusions. It was established that the complex alloy promotes the formation of more stable inclusion phases, which can positively impact the mechanical properties of the steel. It was also found that different production technologies and the use of deoxidizers can significantly influence the quantity and types of non-metallic inclusions, requiring further study and optimization of technological processes. Therefore, the results of this study can be valuable for metallurgical enterprises in selecting optimal steel deoxidation methods and improving steel quality, as well as for further scientific research in the fields of metallurgy and materials science.