Application of Barium-bearing Alloys in Steelmaking

Abstract

Based on the understanding of the physico-chemical properties of alkaline earth metals, an overview on the investigation of application of Ba-bearing alloys in steel is given in the paper. As calcium it is, barium has a strong affinity for oxygen and sulfur in steel; barium can also modify the inclusions in the steel. The barium-bearing inclusions easily float out from steel. The residual barium-bearing inclusions exist in spherical complex aluminates and randomly distribute in the steel. The mechanical properties such as fatigue, transverse impact toughness and anisotropic properties of steels treated with barium-bearing alloys are improved. The effect of calcium and barium on microstructure of steel is discussed.
Some characteristics of production of barium-bearing alloys are also discussed.