Effects of complex trace elements on the microstructure and magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steels

¹ School of Metallurgical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma anshan, Anhui 243002, P.R. China
² Technology Center of Xinyu Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Xinyu, Jiangxi 338001, P.R. China

Received: 22 August 2015
Accepted: 30 November 2015

Abstract

The effects of complex trace elements on the inclusion size distribution, microstructure, texture and magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steels were studied. After final annealing, both calcium and lanthanum effectively inhibited the precipitation of MnS precipitates. Furthermore, LaS inclusions acted as a nucleus of TiN-AlN precipitates and inhibited precipitation of TiN and AlN precipitates; addition of 0.0039 wt.% boron resulted in the formation of Fe₂B particles. Grain size reached a maximum value in steel containing 0.0023 wt.% calcium and 0.0058 wt.% lanthanum. Steel containing 0.0026 wt.% calcium had the strongest {100} fiber texture, steel containing 0.0023 wt.% calcium and 0.0058 wt.% lanthanum had the strongest {100} fiber texture, and addition of 0.0039 wt.% boron resulted in the suppression of {111} and {112} fiber texture. Steel with 0.0023 wt.% calcium and 0.0058 wt.% lanthanum had the best magnetic properties, predominantly through the development of favorable texture and optimum grain size .