Analyses of the Deformability and Chemistry of Non‐Metallic Inclusions in QT Steels With Increased Recycling‐Induced Tramp Element Content

In order to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, it is imperative that the share of steel produced via scrap recycling is increased. Nonetheless, this will lead to higher tramp element contents in the steel cycle. In the present work, a quench and temper steel is alloyed with industrially relevant amounts of the tramp elements Cu, Ni, and Sn and their influence on the deformation behavior of non‐metallic inclusions (NMIs) in the material is assessed using high‐temperature deformation dilatometry to investigate whether tramp element bear restrictions for steel processing as well as final products under dynamic loads. Magnesium bearing NMIs deform less than Mg‐free NMIs. If Cu is present in the matrix, NMIs show a decreased formability could be linked with the fine Cu precipitation at the interface between the NMIs and the matrix. Nickel, on the other hand, increases deformability of the matrix as well as of all types of NMIs. Additionally, thermodynamic calculations are conducted to evaluate and interpret the experimental results and, generally, the calculated and measured results are in good agreement.