Nonmetallic inclusions in SUS304 strip produced by twin-roll strip casting

The shape, type, content, and dimension of nonmetallic inclusions in SUS304 strip produced by twin-roll strip casting were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the inclusions are mainly spherical Al₂O₃ and complex oxides composed of MnO, Al₂O₃, and SiO₂. The percentage of fine oxides smaller than 3 μm reaches up to 51.8%. The theoretical calculations show that fine oxides have precipitated during solidification. Therefore, it is concluded that during twin-roll strip casting, because of high cooling rate, the size of inclusions precipitated during solidification decreases, and the amount increases.