The mechanical effects of the non-metallic inclusions on the mechanical properties of steel

Nowadays, clean steel production is a crucial objective for steelmakers, as lower non-metallic inclusion content leads to lighter and safer structures thanks to improved mechanical behavior. Different non-metallic inclusions affect steel's mechanical properties variably, necessitating precise knowledge for effective material design. This paper examines the melting and refining processes that control potential non-metallic inclusion sources, such as gas dissolution in the liquid metal bath and the addition of deoxidizers and foaming slag. While these processes are essential, they may also create hazardous compounds that require modification through treatments like Ca treatment or other innovative methods to alter the shape and composition of inclusions, thus mitigating their adverse effects on material properties and preventing issues like nozzle clogging during continuous casting. The paper discusses the importance of initial oxygen content and its management as critical factors influencing the genesis and modification of non-metallic inclusions. The mechanical interactions between inclusions and the metal matrix are vital for steel reliability, and various inclusion types are evaluated based on their chemical composition and permissible levels based on the final use of the steel product.