Sulfide type inclusion morphologies of a (1)

Eregli Iron and Steel Works Company (Erdemir) is one of the integrated iron and steel plants in Turkey that produces hot and cold rolled steels. This study investigates the quality of steel produced at Erdemir, focusing on Grade-X steel which is essential for applications requiring bending and welding. The methodology involved analyzing the chemical composition of Grade-X steel and evaluating the impact of non-metallic inclusions on its cleanliness, particularly elongated sulfide-type inclusions. Optical micrographs and EDS spectra were used to identify and characterize inclusions within the steel structure. The results indicated that the presence of elongated MnS inclusions negatively affects the steel's mechanical properties, as they can lead to cracking during welding processes. The importance of achieving minimum inclusion size and optimal distribution to enhance the quality of welding in steel products is emphasized. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the role of alloying elements like Ce and Mn in influencing the formation of sulfide inclusions, contributing to a better understanding of metallurgical processes and their implications for product quality. The findings hold significant importance for metallurgical quality control and the optimization of steel production processes.