Influence of carbon, silicon and molybdenum on the separating and emulsifying behaviour of steel and slag

The influence of C, Si, and Mo on the surface tension of Armco iron, and on the interfacial tension between Armco iron and a 40%CaO/40%SiO2/20%Al2O3 slag at 1550 degrees C has been investigated. Surface tension was determined according to the drop weight method, and the interfacial tension by the drop detachment method. Based on these measurements, ternary interfacial tension diagrams are set up, which enable the separating and emulsifying tendencies of the related steel/slag/gas systems to be predicted, This is followed by the calculation of the meniscus radius as a function of interfacial tension in continuous casting, together with the assessment of its effect on lubrication.