2003 Lifeng Zhang State of the Art in Evaluation and Control of Steel Cleanliness isijinternational.43.271

The increasing demand for cleaner steels necessitates rigorous control over non-metallic oxide inclusions, metallic impurity elements, and various alloying elements to ensure product quality for different applications. This paper focuses on the cleanliness of Low Carbon Al-Killed steel (LCAK steel), particularly the role of oxide inclusions and their implications for mechanical properties. A comprehensive review of the literature highlights the detrimental effects of inclusions, such as slivers and defects, which can originate from oxidation processes and the presence of complex non-metallic inclusions from mold slag. The methodology involves analyzing the size distribution, morphology, and composition of non-metallic inclusions, emphasizing that the mechanical performance of LCAK steel products, particularly in automotive applications, is adversely affected by such inclusions. Results underscore the necessity of limiting the presence of larger inclusions, which are most harmful, and suggest strategies to control these defects through careful raw material selection and processing techniques. Overall, the findings indicate that maintaining stringent cleanliness standards is crucial for enhancing the performance and reliability of LCAK steel in demanding applications.