Absorption of non-metallic inclusions by steelmaking slags—a review

The formation of non-metallic inclusions during steelmaking is inevitable and, when not properly controlled, can cause performance and production problems. Slag is one of the resources available to carry out this control. In steelmaking, it is generally understood that inclusions are naturally absorbed by slag when flotation is sufficient. However, separation and dissolution may define the inclusion absorption capacity of slag. The discussion in this review explains the relationship between separation and the contact angle at the steel/inclusion interface, which differentiates the mechanism from liquid and solid inclusions. Whereas liquid particles show more predictable behavior in experimental observations, thermodynamic analysis is necessary in order to describe the removal of solid particles. Among other findings, it is evident that slag viscosity and the formation of compounds at the inclusion/slag interface strongly influence inclusion dissolution capacity. Following a detailed description of findings in the literature, this review considers the most influential factors to aid in optimizing slags for inclusion absorption.