Effect of Refining Slag's Basicity on Inclusions in Molten 304 Stainless Steel

The AOD process of the 304 stainless steel was simulated in lab,with the FeSi alloy taken as final deoxidant and the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-CaF2 slag chosen as refining slag.Then,the effect of refining slag's basicity on the inclusions in the 304 stainless steel melts was investigated.The results showed that with the increasing basicity of refining slag the total mass fraction of oxygen decreases,as well as the total number,area and average size of inclusions.The fact means that the high basicity of slag benefits both the absorption of deoxidation products and the formation of fine inclusions.However,the effect of refining slag on the inclusions in molten steel revealed that a better result is available if the slag's basicity is 2 other than 1.5.So,it is recommended to taken the refining slag whose basicity should be greater than 2 in AOD process.