Zn Addition into Molten Steel by ZnO Reduction

Abstract

Addition of Zn into tool steel is known to improve toughness and it may be used as a countermeasure to utilize steel including brittleness causing impurities such as P etc. However, it is not easy to add Zn into steel due to high Zn vapor pressure at high temperature. Therefore, effective method to add Zn into steel was investigated by reducing ZnO and its compounds ZnAl₂O₄, Zn₂SiO₄ and ZnFe₂O₄ by Fe and Sn was conducted at 1273-1873K. It was confirmed that suitable Zn pressure by ZnO reduction is required for effective Zn addition into steel.