Formation of inclusions at the Fe/Al interface by capillary tube tests

The degree of supersaturation of the melt is one of the most important factors influencing the formation of inclusions. The initial stage of deoxidation and the influence of the oxygen level on the inclusion features were examined. Liquid iron with various dissolved oxygen content was brought into contact with aluminium in a capillary tube for a short time. Microscopic investigations at the Fe/Al interface revealed the presence of numerous small spherical inclusions (< 1 µm) at the Fe side of the samples containing low oxygen level. When increasing the oxygen content in the melt, the number of inclusions decreased while their size increased. In addition, the inclusion morphology evolved from spherical to agglomerates and angular particles.status: publishe