Abstract Fluorspar (CaF2) is the most used flux in hot metal desulfurizing mixtures. However, its use can cause refractory wear and environmental contamination, prompting research efforts to develop alternative desulfurizing mixtures. This study aims to investigate the replacement desulfurizing mixtures containing fluorspar by other desulfurizing mixtures containing a new flux developed without fluorspar named MIX. The influence of varying the mass of these desulfurizing mixtures, temperature, and stirring of the system on the efficiency of hot metal desulfurization was also studied. The desulfurization experiments were carried out in an electric resistance furnace, at a temperature of 1370°C. Hot metal samples were taken to measure the change in sulfur content in the experiments. FactSage 8.0 software, was used to determine the phases present in the desulfurizing mixtures, and these phases were correlated with the hot metal desulfurization efficiency. The efficiency of the desulfurizing mixtures was also correlated with the Desulfurization Factor. The results showed that desulfurizing mixtures containing fiuorspar are the most efficient mixtures. However, fluorspar-free desulfurizing mixtures containing MIX can achieve similar efficiencies with increases in mass, temperature, and system stirring. The results also showed that the most efficient desulfurizing mixtures are those with higher percentages of solid CaO and lower percentages of the solid phases 3CaO.SiO2 and CaS and, consequently, a higher Desulfurization Factor.

Abstract Ornamental rock production, such as marble and granite plates, have great importance in the southeastern region of Brazil. Its residues are composed of some compounds used in continuous casting as mould fluxes. Therefore, the aim of this article was to study these residues to formulate mould fluxes. First, the raw materials were chemically characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and two new fluxes were developed based on two different commercial fluxes used for peritectic and low carbon steels. All fluxes were analyzed for their ability to form crystalline phases, by performing the modified Stollberg test. The slag formed was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thin section microscopy (TSM) technique, and a mathematical model for comparison. Also, sample fluidity was measured using the known “boat test” and viscosities were predicted by FactSage® software. Crystallinity and fluidity of new fluxes were compatible with those observed for the commercial fluxes. The FactSage® simulations identified crystalline phases, such as cuspidine (Ca4Si2O7F2), for all fluxes. In commercial low carbon flux (CLC) and new low carbon flux (NLC), X-ray results have shown that non-crystalline phases are formed. And in commercial peritectic flux (CP) and new peritectic flux (NP), X-ray results have shown crystalline phases. The results showed similar characteristics between the new fluxes and the commercial ones; however, further tests in an industrial setting are required to obtain additional information and confirm equivalent behavior during their industrial use.

Abstract Despite the AISI 304 stainless steel has high corrosion/oxidation resistance, its tribological properties are poor, being one of the barriers for use in severe wear applications. Thus, there is a wide field for studying technologies that aim to increase the surface hardness and wear resistance of this material. In this work, hardness and wear resistance for AISI 304 stainless steel submitted to the thermochemical treatment by low temperature plasma carburizing (LTPC) in a fixed gas mixture composition of 93% H2 and 7% CH4 are presented. Through the evaluation of the carburizing layers, it was possible to observe a substantial improvement in tribological properties after all temperature and time of treatment. This improvement is directly related to the increase of the process variables; among them temperature has a stronger influence on the wear resistance obtained using LTPC process.

Steel with high cleanliness requirements require an accurate control of the non-metallic inclusions, such as its quantity, morphology, chemical composition and size distribution. The continuous casting tundish has a fundamental role in steel cleanliness, avoiding its reoxidation by air and ladle slag that retain inclusions, as well as aiding the removal of those same inclusions along the continuous casting (Sahai, 2008). To perform the study, IF steel samples were collected in RH at the start, in the middle and at the end of the continuous casting of the tundish's first heat in three different conditions of tundish processing, alternating between heating and purging. These samples had their inclusions characterized by MEV/EDS using the ASCAT (Automated Steel Cleanliness Analysis Tool) technology. The results showed that more than 90% of the oxide inclusions generated in that type of steel are Al2O3 and AlTi. It was also observed that there is an increase of steel inclusions originating from RH in the tundish and that area fraction and average inclusionary density decreases along the continuous casting in two of the processing conditions.

The aim of this work was to study the micro-abrasive wear resistance of an API 5L X-70 microalloyed steel plasma nitrided under different conditions of time and temperature. Pulsed DC plasma nitriding experiments were performed under a treatment atmosphere of 10%N2 + 90%H2, at temperatures of 410, 440 and 470 °C and for nitriding times of 1, 3 and 5h. The results show that plasma nitriding performed at 440 °C and 1h led to the formation of a compound layer constituted mainly of ε-Fe2-3N nitride and a diffusion zone with large needle-like nitride, offering the highest wear resistance. The amount of γ’- Fe4N phase was found to increase with the plasma nitriding time, decreasing the wear resistance of the material.

As mudanças no comportamento de amaciamento que ocorrem durante a deformação a quente de um aço estão diretamente ligadas a parâmetros como deformação, taxa de deformação, temperatura, tempo de espera entre passes e taxa de resfriamento. Um aço estrutural foi estudado através de ensaio de torção a quente. Os corpos de prova foram usinados a partir de esboços do aço, sendo retirados após a laminação de desbaste. Foram realizados ensaios de torção isotérmicos e ensaios de torção com múltiplas deformações em resfriamento contínuo no laboratório de conformação mecânica do CETEC, em Belo Horizonte-MG. Através das curvas de escoamento plástico, geradas pelos ensaios de torção isotérmicos, foram determinadas a tensão e a deformação de pico para temperaturas variando de 1150ºC à 650ºC e foram realizadas análises metalográficas das amostras para se verificar o comportamento do tamanho de grão do material. Foi realizado cálculo das temperaturas críticas (Tnr e Ar3), através da utilização de equações disponíveis, na literatura. Tal cálculo foi comparado com os valores obtidos durante o ensaio com múltiplas deformações em resfriamento contínuo e verificado que a variação não passou de 1,8%.

The softening behavior changes that occur during hot deformation of steel is directly related to processing parameters such as strain, strain rate, temperature, interpass time and cooling rate. A structural steel was analyzed by hot rolling simulation using hot torsion tests. The specimens were machined from work piece after roughing mill. Isothermal torsion and multiple strains in continuous cooling torsion tests were performed in hot deformation laboratory of CETEC, in Belo Horizonte-MG. Peak stress and strain for temperatures ranging from 1150ºC to 650ºC were determined through flow curves generated by isothermal torsion tests and metallographic analysis were performed to verify the behavior of grain size of the material. The critical temperatures (Tnr and Ar3) were calculated by equations available in literature and compared to values obtained from the test flow curves (the variation did not exceed 1.8%).

Esse trabalho consiste na caracterização do resíduo de mármore, lama fina de aciaria e borra de alumínio, para averiguar a viabilidade técnica da utilização de tais resíduos na dessulfuração e desfosforação de ferro-gusa líquido. A caracterização desses resíduos foi feita através de análises químicas, granulométricas, difração de raios X e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) com micro análise por Espectroscopia por Energia Dispersiva de Raios X (EDS). A lama fina de aciaria apresenta um teor de FeO de 84,90%, o resíduo de mármore apresentou um teor de 61,5% de CaO e 33,9% de MgO e a borra de alumínio apresentou 36,5% de Al metálico e 62% de Al2O3. A granulometria do resíduo de mármore apresentou um tamanho de grão médio igual 42,810 µm. Já, na borra de alumínio, o tamanho médio foi de 101,803 µm. A lama fina de aciaria LD apresentou, em torno de 54,7% de sua granulometria, entre 0,15 e 0,075mm. Esses resultados apontam para a viabilidade técnica da utilização desses materiais na dessulfuração e desfosforação do ferro-gusa.

This paper involves the characterization of marble waste, steelmaking fine sludge and aluminum dross, to ascertain the technical feasibility of using these in the desulfurization and dephosphorization of hot metal. The characterization of these residues was done taking into consideration: chemical analysis, particle size, X-ray diffraction results and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) data analyses. The steelmaking fine sludge has a FeO content of 84.90%, the marble waste lodged content of 61.5% CaO and 33.9% MgO, and aluminum dross 36.5% of Al metal and 62% of Al2O3. The particle size of marble waste had of the average grain size equal to 42.8 µm, in aluminum dross the average size was 101.8 µm and steelmaking fine sludge showed around 54.7% of its grain size between 0.15 and 0.075 mm. These results indicate the feasibility of using these materials in the desulfurization and dephosphorization of hot metal.

Um dos pré-requisitos para o processo de tixoconformação de ligas, é que estas apresentem microestruturas globulares. Esse trabalho utilizou o método da deformação seguido por recristalização com o objetivo de determinar a deformação e o tempo mínimos necessários para completa globularização de duas novas ligas de Al no estado semi-sólido (ESS). Buscou-se, também, encontrar a deformação necessária para um máximo refinamento microestrutural. As ligas foram fundidas a partir de sucatas de latas de alumínio, acrescentando-se Si, até atingir 3,5% (Al3,5Si), e Cu para a outra liga, até atingir-se 4% (Al4Cu). As novas ligas foram laminadas com deformações variando de 5 a 30% e levadas ao ESS com tempo de encharque variando de 1 a 60 minutos. As microestruturas foram caracterizadas por microscopia ótica. Os resultados mostram que a deformação mínima, para promover total globularização, está entre 5 e 10%. Quanto maior a deformação mais refinada é a microestrutura, porém, a partir de aproximadamente 20%, é necessário melhorar as condições de conformação para impedir a formação de trincas.

One of the prerequisites for thixoforming processing of alloys is a globular microstructure. This study used a deformation followed by recrystallization methodology in order to determine the minimum deformation and time needed to complete particle globularization of two new aluminum alloys in semi solid state (SSS). The required deformation for a maximum microstructural refinement was also researched. The alloys were cast from aluminum can scraps, adding up to 3.5% Si (Al3,5Si) and the other alloy up to 4% Cu (Al4Cu). The new alloys were rolled with deformations ranging from 5 to 30% and taken to the semisolid state SSS with soaking time ranging from 10 to 60 minutes. The microstructures were characterized by optical microscopy. The results show that the minimum deformation to promote entire globularization is between 5 and 10%. The increase of the total strain refines the microstructure; however, from about 20% of strain, it is necessary to improve the conformation conditioning to prevent the formation of cracks.

O processo de conformação de ligas no estado semi-sólido (ESS) é uma tecnologia que, devido às vantagens, é uma realidade na indústria automobilística em especial para ligas de Al-Si. Um dos aspectos mais importante, nesse processo, é o comportamento reológico dessas ligas, pois, tal comportamento afeta diretamente as condições de fluxo e, também, as propriedades mecânicas finais das peças tixoconformadas. Uma maneira empírica para avaliar esse parâmetro é através do teste de fluidez. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a influência do tempo de espera sobre a fluidez da liga A356, no estado semi-sólido (ESS). Amostras foram semifundidas até uma temperatura de 590ºC, processo este seguido de tempos de espera de 10min e 30min. A liga refundida foi injetada em uma matriz com um longo canal contínuo. Os resultados obtidos foram discutidos, tendo, como base, teorias preexistentes para sistemas de coexistência sólido/líquido. Parâmetros microestruturais foram medidos, com o intuito de explicar os fenômenos observados. O grau de fluidez da liga A356 sofre intensa influência do tempo de espera no ESS.

Semi-solid state forming process (SS) is a technology that, due its benefits, is a reality for automotive industry applications, especially for aluminum silicon alloys. In this forming process, one of the most important aspects is alloy rheological behavior because it directly affects the flux condition and mechanical properties of tixoformed parts. An empiric way for measuring this parameter is the fluidity test. The aim of this work was to study the influence of waiting time on the fluidity of an A356 alloy in a semi-solid state. Samples were heated until partial melting at 590ºC, followed by waiting times of 10min and 30min. The alloy was injected into a long and continuous channel. The results obtained were discussed using pre-existent theories for semi-solid state systems with coexisting solid and liquid phases. Some microstructural parameters were measured to explain theobserved phenomena. The degree of fluidity of A356 alloy is strongly affected by waiting time.

Esse trabalho estuda a viabilidade técnica do aproveitamento de resíduo proveniente do corte de granito para ajustar a basicidade (relação CaO/SiO2) da escória de aciaria LD, visando a sua utilização na fabricação de cimento Portland. Para isso, foram realizadas a caracterização química dos resíduos e a sua mistura e fusão, a fim de se obter uma relação CaO/SiO2 em torno de 0,9 e 1,2. As misturas fundidas foram resfriadas em água e ao forno. Nas amostras resfriadas em água, após uma análise por difratometria de raios X, constatou-se que estas se apresentaram, predominantemente, amorfas. Para as amostras resfriadas ao forno, que se apresentaram cristalinas, observou-se a presença das fases mineralógicas Akermanita e Gehlenita, as quais são consideradas como as fases mineralógicas ideais para a atividade hidráulica das escórias. Esses resultados permitem concluir que o ajuste da basicidade da escória de aciaria LD através da adição de resíduo de granito mostrou-se eficiente, indicando a sua viabilidade técnica para a fabricação de cimento Portland.

This study focuses on the technical feasibility of the utilization of waste from the cutting of granite to adjust the chemical composition of slag from steelworks LD, targeting the addition of clinker Portland cement. For this, chemical characterization of the waste, its mixture and fusion was performed, obtaining a CaO/SiO2 relationship of around 0.9 to 1.2 for the steelworks slag. We selected samples of the waste, mixed, melted and cooled in water and in the oven. Samples cooled in water, after examining with X-ray difractrograms, had been predominantly amorphous. For samples cooled in the furnace, which had vitreous, there was the presence of mineralogical phases Akermanita and Gehlenita, which is considered as the ideal stage for the mineral water activity of the slag. The adjustment of the chemical composition of the slag from steel works by the addition of waste granite was efficient, transforming the waste into a product that is the same as blast furnace slag and can be used in the manufacture of cement.

Esse trabalho tem os objetivos de caracterizar o resíduo de manta cerâmica, gerado no lingotamento contínuo dos aços, devido à diminuição da sua capacidade de isolamento térmico, e de estudar a viabilidade técnica da utilização desse resíduo na fabricação de argamassa. O resíduo foi submetido à análise química, difração de raios X e MEV e utilizado na preparação de argamassa. Foram feitas dosagens de 0%, 2%, e 6% em massa do resíduo, em substituição ao cimento, e realizado o ensaio de índice de consistência e compressão na argamassa. Dessa maneira, obtiveram-se resultados em três argamassas distintas. Os resultados indicam um aumento na resistência à compressão com adição do resíduo, em comparação com a argamassa-padrão, e o índice de consistência apresentou alterações pouco consideráveis.

The goal of this study is to characterize the waste of ceramic blankets used in the thermal insulation of the continuous casting machine, which was generated due to the decrease in the capacity of thermal insulation. It also investigated the technical feasibility of the use of this waste as raw material to produce mortar. The waste was characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and SEM. Proportions of 0%, 2%, and 6% of the mass of the waste were used in substitution of cement in the production of mortar samples. Samples were tested to obtain the consistency index and mortar compression tests. The results indicate an increase in the compression resistance with the addition of waste in comparison with standard mortar. The consistency index was not affected by the additions.

O presente trabalho estudou a eliminação do magnésio do alumínio reciclado através da injeção de cloro no metal líquido. Os ensaios foram feitos variando-se os tipos de lanças. Em escala de laboratório, montou-se um aparato para simular a injeção de cloro e gases inertes, em ligas contendo em média 1,5% de magnésio. No ensaio, onde injetou-se gás inerte, foi promovida a remoção do magnésio, devido à quebra da camada de escória protetora que se forma na superfície do banho, enquanto que nos testes onde injetou-se cloro foi observado que existe uma concentração crítica de magnésio. Abaixo da concentração crítica de magnésio, ocorre a emissão de cloretos. A concentração crítica de magnésio é influenciada pelo diâmetro das bolhas formadas. Quando o cloreto de alumínio formado tem tempo para reagir com o magnésio contido no banho, a concentração de magnésio em função do tempo é linear. Essa situação ocorre para concentrações de magnésio acima da concentração crítica. Quando essa condição não é satisfeita, a concentração do magnésio em função do tempo é uma exponencial.

The aim of this work was to study the elimination of magnesium from recycled molten aluminum by chlorine injection. The tests were carried out using different kinds of nozzles. A laboratory apparatus was assembled to simulate chlorine and inert gas injection through a 1.5% magnesium aluminum molten bath. In the test where inert gas was purged promoted a magnesium removal due to the breakdown of the protective slag layer while in the tests where chlorine was purged, it was observed a critical concentration of magnesium. Below this critical concentration there is an aluminum chloride emission. The critical magnesium concentration is influenced by bubble diameter. When the aluminum chloride has enough time to react with the magnesium, magnesium removal rate is linear. This behavior occurs above critical magnesium concentration. When this condition is not found it was observed an exponential rate.