In-situ Observation of Inclusion Formation Behaviors during Solidification Process Using Model Alloy

The formation of secondary inclusions during the solidification process of molten steel is a complex phenomenon triggered by microsegregation. Controlling the dispersion of secondary inclusions in the solidified steel is an important issue that greatly affects the properties of the steel; however, the distribution of inclusions after solidification does not always coincide with the locations of inclusion formation. Therefore, it is still difficult to estimate when, where, and at what supersaturation level inclusions crystallize in the liquid phase, and it is desirable to clarify their formation behavior to control the dispersion of inclusions. In this study, we investigated the formation process of inclusion using a ternary model material of succinonitrile-water-lumogen yellow by in-situ observation, where the formation of oversaturated lumogen yellow can be regarded as the inclusion formation. It was confirmed that the frequency of inclusion formation increased significantly when the solution was held at lower temperatures, i.e., when a large supersaturation ratio was given. The results of the formation frequency indicated that the formation of inclusions occurred in the liquid phase according to the classical nucleation theory.