Effects of MnO on Crystallization, Melting, and Heat Transfer of CaO-Al2O3-Based Mold Flux Used for High Al-TRIP Steel Casting

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of MnO on crystallization, melting, and heat transfer of lime-alumina-based mold flux used for high Al-TRIP steel casting, through applying the infrared emitter technique (IET) and the double hot thermocouple technique (DHTT). The results of IET tests showed that MnO could improve the general heat transfer rate through promoting the melting and inhibiting the crystallization of mold flux; meanwhile the radiative heat flux was being attenuated. DHTT experiments indicated that the crystallization fraction, melting temperature of mold flux decreased with the addition of MnO. The results of this study can further elucidate the properties of the CaO-Al2O3 slag system and reinforce the basis for the application of lime-alumina system mold fluxes for casting high Al steels.