Three-dimensional Investigations of Different Sulfides in Steels by Using Electrolytic Extraction

Abstract: The emphasis of this study is focusing on three-dimensional (3D) investigations of the manganese sulfide (MnS) inclusions characteristics in steels by using electrolytic extraction (EE). Two steel grades, 42CrMo4 and 157C, heat treated (HT) at 900 oC were investigated. 42CrMo4 steel samples were heat treated for 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes while 157C steel samples were heat treated for 5 minutes. Samples of 42CrMo4 were taken from middle zone of an as-cast steel bar while that for grade 157C were taken from 3 different zones (centre, middle and surface). Inclusions were collected on film filters and analyzed by SEM for classification and determination of their characteristics including the size, number density (Nv), morphology and composition. The aspect ratio (AR) as well as particle size distribution (PSD) were also compared for steel samples conducted at various HT times. The result showed that EE is a reliable method of investigation inclusion characteristics. The inclusions were classified into 3 types according to their morphology and composition. Type I was elongated rod-like MnS, type II was coarsened sheet-like MnS and type III was spherical MnS inclusions. In addition, HT significantly reduced the Nv and fairly reduced AR but no significant reduction in size observed. The peak of PSD decreased with an increased HT time. The change of Nv, length, AR and PSD could be altered because of uneven inclusion distribution in filter and different sampling positions.