The Effect of Mold Flux Wetting Conditions with Varying Crucible Materials on Crystallization

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202501.2262.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-01-31T12:07:07Z
• Authors: Muhammad Anwarul ...; Arezoo Emdadi; Todd Sander; Ronald O'Malley
• Keywords: Crucible (geodemography)

Understanding mold flux crystallization is essential for evaluating heat transfer during steel casting. In casting, the gap's complexity raises questions about ideal testing method and nucleation type—heterogeneous or homogeneous. This study examines how crucible materials influence crystallization, focusing on wetting behaviors of platinum graphite with flux. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was employed to observe in-situ nucleation, differential calorimetry (DSC) used under non-isothermal conditions across cooling rates (5–30°C/min) sample determine temperatures. Results showed significantly lower temperatures in crucibles versus platinum, similar trends synthetic slag Li2SO4, validated through experimental DSC data Factsage® simulations. X-ray diffraction (XRD) electron microscopy- energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were utilized identify crystal phases interactions between wall. Graphite’s non-wetting characteristics hindered requiring greater undercooling, while platinum’s superior properties facilitated by lowering surface free barriers. These findings highlight behavior, providing valuable insights refining methodologies and, ultimately, advancing understanding mechanisms solidification casting process.