Inclusions modification in heat resistant steel containing rare earth elements

Based on the thermodynamic assessment of inclusions evolution, the modification experiments of inclusions containing rare earths were carried out in the Si–Mo furnace from 1600°C to 1500°C. The pure Si and Si–Al alloy were chosen as deoxidants under low and high initial oxygen content, respectively. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were employed to analyse the morphology and chemical compositions of inclusions in the samples. The spherical liquid Ce–Si–Al–O (Ce4Si5Al5O23.5) inclusions were observed in the steel, which was deoxidised by Si–Al alloy. The evolution mechanisms of inclusions were comprehensively discussed, and models for the formation of oxide inclusions were set up.