Effect of electric field on the interface behavior between molten steel and the aluminum‐killed steel clogging

Abstract In this study, effects of interface contact, adhesion, and reaction behavior between clogging and molten steel under different electric field conditions are studied using the most common aluminum‐killed steel clogging as research object. Results show that wettability between Al 2 O 3 and molten steel is poor. However, formation of solidified steel and rough surface structure in aluminum‐killed steel clogging significantly influence wettability, which enhances formation and growth of clogging. Meanwhile, interfacial contact, wetting, and reaction behavior are controlled by electric field. Positive electric field enhances interfacial contact, reaction, and wettability, which exacerbate formation and growth of clogging on submerged entry nozzle (SEN). Conversely, negative electric field suppresses clogging growth, preserving SEN structure and ensuring stable continuous casting operations.