Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin (Yekaterinburg, Russia)

D. P. Shvetsov, Engineer, Research Center for Physics of Liquid Metals, shwedmail@gmail.com
O. A. Chikova, Dr. Phys.-Math., Associate Prof., Prof., Dept. of Physics, o.a.chikova@urfu.ru
N. I. Sinitsin, Cand. Phys.-Math., Associate Prof., Dept. of Physics, Senior Researcher, Research Center for Physics of Liquid Metals, n.i.sinitsin@urfu.ru
V. S. Tsepelev, Dr. Eng., Prof., Director, Research Center for Physics of Liquid Metals, v.s.tsepelev@urfu.ru

The relationship between the volume fraction of slag inclusions, the microstructure, and mechanical properties of 12Kh18N9TL steel ingots was studied. The test specimens were obtained during the pouring of 12Kh18N9TL steel, respectively, after 1) melting the charge before Ti addition, 2) from the first ladle, after Ti addition, 3) from the second ladle, after dosing, and Ti reintroduction, and 4) from the third ladle. All specimens were collected after slag induction. Under laboratory conditions, the elemental composition and volume fraction of slag inclusions were analyzed, the microstructure was studied, and mechanical testing was conducted on crystallized specimens. Metallographic analysis allows for monitoring the ferrite content, average grain size, and dendritic parameter. Based on the mechanical testing results, the ultimate strength, yield strength, and ductility were calculated. A relationship between the volume fraction of slag inclusions and the consistency of the cast microstructure was established using mechanical specimens. An increase in the volume fraction of slag inclusions leads to a decrease in metal ductility, which is associated with the development of a dendritic parameter due to grain refinement. A conclusion is drawn regarding the consequences of increasing the volume fraction of slag inclusions in castings on product quality. Thus, a scientific and technical justification for solving production problems associated with the formation of oxide films in castings is presented. It is established that the cause of defects is the formation of slag inclusions in the ingot and on the surface as a result of recharging the furnace after pouring the first ladle. Eliminating additional furnace loading made it possible to avoid the formation of films in castings and on the surface of castings, reducing defects and labor intensity during processing.
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (Project No. FEUZ-2026-0013).

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