Steel Cleanness Evaluation: Framework for Inclusion Characterization by Means of Automated and Manual SEM/EDS Analysis and Computational Thermodynamics

The characterization of non-metallic inclusions is crucial for understanding their origin, behavior, and modification during steelmaking and is directly connected to process optimization and improving product quality. SEM/EDS is the state-of-the-art characterization technique, measuring microscale morphology and elemental composition of non-metallic inclusions. Automated SEM/EDS analysis evaluates thousands of microscopic particles on a sample within hours, enabling the assessment of steel cleanness. However, challenges such as artifact misinterpretation and steel matrix effects on EDS accuracy must be considered to ensure reliable results. Furthermore, the widely used standardless EDS analysis is limited to elemental compositions normalized to 100 weight-%, restricting its applicability for more detailed characterizations.