On the Relationship Between Inclusions and Pores, Part I: Precipitation

Formation mechanism and clustering of TiN-Al2O3 inclusions precipitated during solidification of austenitic stainless steel is analyzed in this paper. Steel sample are taken from a continuously cast bloom. Clustering of inclusions was examined with a hypothesis that inclusions gather inside the pores. Precipitation of the inclusions occurs through segregation in the residual melt in the interdendritic area. Size and mean distance of the inclusion particles are calculated with mass balance. Impact fracture test in cryogenic temperature reveals clusters of inclusions inside pores on the fracture surface. Size and distribution of the inclusions are examined using light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Inclusion's composition is investigated with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry Tests determined the transformation temperatures. Results of the experiments are in good agreement with theoretical analysis.