Physico chemical aspects of the behaviou

Adequate physical and mechanical properties for numerous steel grades can be achieved only through precise control of the composition, morphology, and plasticity of oxide and sulfide inclusions present in the product. This study aims to analyze the behavior of these inclusions during the processing of liquid metal, focusing on deoxidation practices, calcium treatment, and slag-metal reactions. By employing thermodynamic models and laboratory experiments, the research evaluates the transformations that may occur during solidification and heat treatments prior to hot-rolling, including reactions between oxides and sulfides and the crystallization of oxides. Various methods for predicting the composition of oxide and sulfide inclusions, which result from these treatments, are discussed alongside the tools developed to understand and manage these processes effectively. The findings underscore the importance of controlling non-metallic inclusions in liquid metal processing to meet the required characteristics of the final product and highlight effective strategies for achieving optimal outcomes.