Dynamic Wetting Characteristics and Quantitative Analysis of Reaction Behavior between CaO–Al2O3-Based Mold Flux and Fe–Mn–Al–C Low-Density Steel

Abstract

To design a low-reactivity mold flux that met the requirements for continuous casting of Fe–Mn–Al–C low-density steel, the reaction behavior between CaO–Al₂O₃-based mold flux and low-density steel is quantitatively analyzed. Based on this, the dynamic wetting characteristics between the mold flux and low-density steel are further characterized during the steel-slag reaction process. The results show that when the reaction time is within 20 min, the chemical reactions between [Al], [Mn] in the steel and (B₂O₃) in the mold flux mainly occur. When the reaction time increases from 20 to 30 min, the chemical reactions between [Al] and (B₂O₃), (SiO₂) are dominant. The reaction degree is quantitatively characterized by mass balance calculation. The changes in the activity of components in mold flux and molten steel are analyzed theoretically. Moreover, with the increase in reaction time, the initial temperature of the rapid decrease of the contact angle gradually increases from 1363 to 1423, 1463, and 1493 K, respectively. With the increase in reaction time, the adhesion work of mold fluxes decreases first and then increases, but its maximum value is lower than 670.832 mJ m⁻². This work provides theoretical guidance for the design and development of a low-reactivity mold flux.