Hot shortness in steels and a novel aprroach

Hot shortness in steel is a result of tramp element accumulation in recycled steels, mainly Copper (Cu). Cu refinement in conventional steel production method is not achievable. Studies are concentrated on slag chemistry, magnetic separation and chlorination of steel scrap. We report a novel and simple approach in elimination of surface Cu segregation from steel. Cu is found to be accumulating on the steel surface in oxidation process. Oxidation of thin steel slabs concentrates Cu on the steel surface in short time. Machining of the steel surface eliminates Cu segregation and macro surface cracks. Results showed that satisfying mechanical properties can be obtained from machined steel samples.