The Effect of Al-Mg Deoxidation on the Cleanliness of Steel during the Electroslag Remelting Process

Herein, the effect on inclusions and oxygen content of steel with Al-Mg deoxidant addition during the electroslag remelting (ESR) process is studied. Combined with thermodynamics, the evolution mechanism of inclusions during the ESR process is analyzed. The results indicate that the inclusions in the consumable electrode are SiO2-Al2O3-MnO complex inclusions, where most are located in the 1873 K low-melting-temperature region. The inclusions in remelted ingots are mainly Al2O3 and small amounts of MnS in the Al-Mg deoxidant-free trials, and the inclusions are in the size of 1-3 mu m. In the Al-Mg deoxidant addition trial, the main inclusions are Al2O3, MgO-Al2O3, CaO-Al2O3-MgO, and CaO-Al2O3. The proportions of CaO-Al2O3-MgO and CaO-Al2O3 inclusions increase with the increase in the deoxidant.