Rare earth metals addition to low carbon steel-thermodynamic aspects, process considerations and effect on mechanical properties

On the basis of thermodynamic data it is predicted that rare earth elements have a very strong affinity for oxygen and sulphur and the addition of rare earth metals to low carbon steel melt results in a considerable degree of desulphurization. Considering the process details, different methods of addition of rare earth metals to steel melt are evaluated. Rare earth recoveries are influenced by melt chemistry, steel-making refractories and by addition technique. The rare earth metal addition to low carbon steel brings about significant improvements in the mechanical properties.