CHARACTERIZATION OF FLUORINE-FREE MOULD FLUX TO CONTINUOUS CASTING OF MEDIUM CARBON STEELS

In the present paper, the behavior of a fluorine-free mould flux over a commercial mould flux has been evaluated. For that, solidification/crystallization trials, diferential thermal analysis technique, X-Ray Diffraction and microstructural observations were employed. In respect to the heat flux, calculated by the solidification/crystallization trials results, it was verified that the fluorine-free mold flux has a lower heat extraction, approximately 15% less compared to the commercial mould flux. This result is directly linked to the crystallization behavior of the mould flux. Therefore, the new chemical composition evaluated is a viable alternative technology to replace the mould fluxes containing fluorine in medium carbon steels casting, as it provides benefits to the fluorine removal, besides improving the heat extraction in the continuous casting process, enhancing the slab superficial quality.