Effect of carbon segregation in continuously cast billets on wire rod microstructure

摘要

Historically the segregation of carbon toward the central axis of cast steel ibillets has been a limiting factor inthe production of high carbon steel wire for the most demanding applications. During the last two decades, technological innovations in steel mills have reduced the extent of center segregation. In this study, carbon segregation inhigh carbon direct cast (d.c.) billets manufactured with state-of-the-art steel making and casting techniques was characterized with a new approach using chemical and metallographic methods. Segregation levels in wire rods were also evaluated. The general appearance of the segregation profile was similar for all materials investigated and the segregation ratios were found to be slightly influenced by the carbon content. The maximum carbon content inthe center of the billets increased with the carbon content of the heat. Despite segregation in billets, appropridte reheating and rolling procedures result inrod microstructures suitable for exaciting high carbon steel wire applications.