PhD Thesis Title: "Influence of Mischmetal Treatment on Inclusions Evolution, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties, and Hot Deformation Behavior of Low-Carbon Aluminum-Killed (LCAK) Steel".

Motivation and Introduction

Clean steel (free from inclusions, porosity, blow-holes and voids) is required for better mechanical and corrosion properties of steel-made product, but it is impossible to get without non-metallic inclusions (NMI). Entrapped inclusions, which are otherwise difficult to remove completely, especially the comparatively bigger inclusions, seriously affect the performance of steel during fabrication or in use. However, it is possible to tailor their amount and control their size, shape, distribution and morphologies to reduce their harmful effect and even to add some beneficial effect of inclusion. Calcium is usually used to modify inclusions, but its volatility makes the process efficacy uncertain. Rare earth elements (REE) can also modify inclusions and at the same time they are not volatile and could be used with much certainty for inclusion modifications. Besides REE modified inclusion has been found to be effective in enhancing mechanical and corrosion properties of steel.