Use of Fine Powders of Refractory Carbides and Nitrides for Modification of Iron-Carbon Alloys

Abstract

Optimum technological parameters for modifying iron-carbon melts with fine powders are determined. It is shown that inoculants for low-carbon steel can be placed in the follow-ing series by decreasing efficiency: NbN —> TiN —> ZrN —> NbC. Modification of steel 20 during uphill casting to produce two-ton ingots by introduction of fine 1-3 /μm TiN powder at a rage of 0.12 kg/t has improved all mechanical properties: ultimate strength and flow ability by 1.3-1.5 times; elongation and contraction by 1.2-1.3 times; and impact strength by 30-40%.