Study of the Deoxidizing Properties of a Complex Fe-Si-Mn-Al Alloy to Enhance the Efficiency of Steelmaking Processes

The study addresses the need to enhance steel properties through improved deoxidation processes, a critical stage in steel production. Traditional deoxidizers such as ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, and aluminum effectively remove oxygen but often lead to the formation of undesirable non-metallic inclusions, negatively impacting steel's mechanical properties. This research investigates the efficacy of complex Fe-Si-Mn-Al alloys as innovative deoxidizers, offering potential advantages in uniform inclusion distribution and mechanical property optimization. Semi-industrial and synthetic complex alloys were produced using high-ash coal, substandard manganese ores, and other materials, followed by metallographic and SEM analyses of deoxidized steel samples. The results highlight significant variations in microstructure, inclusion morphology, and hardness. Steel treated with complex alloys exhibited enhanced uniformity of inclusions and superior mechanical properties, including bainitic and martensitic structures with higher hardness values (up to 46.50 HRc). Compared to traditional deoxidizers, these alloys reduced the presence of detrimental inclusions like manganese sulfides and enhanced the distribution of oxides and nitrides. While martensitic structures offered high strength, challenges like brittleness were noted. This research underscores the potential of complex alloys to revolutionize steel deoxidation, providing pathways for producing high-strength, durable materials suitable for advanced industrial applications.