Three-Dimensional Imaging of Non-metallic Inclusions in Steel Using Ionoluminescence

Abstract

AbstractObtaining information on the morphology, size, distribution, and chemical composition of non-metallic inclusions in steel helps control the steel production process and the quality of the steel products. Two-dimensional analysis is commonly used to acquire this information; however, more accurate data can be obtained through three-dimensional analysis, leading to a better control of the quality of steel products and their production process. Currently, several techniques are proposed for the three-dimensional analysis of non-metallic inclusions; however, they are time consuming. Herein, the author presented a method to rapidly obtain three-dimensional images of non-metallic inclusions in steel using ionoluminescence (IL). A three-dimensional image of MgO·Al2O3 spinel inclusions was constructed based on two-dimensional IL images obtained every 10 min during argon–ion bombardment. The proposed IL imaging can cover an oval-shaped area of 1.17 mm × 0.26 mm on the semi-major and in the semi-minor axes, respectively, at a single measurement. Three-dimension images of MgO·Al2O3 spinel inclusions with sizes more than 20 μm can be obtained within 4 hours. Therefore, the IL imaging proposed here can provide a precise and rapid account of the effects of non-metallic inclusions on steel products and the steel production process.