Effects of rare earth ferrosilicon additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of 45<sup>#</sup> steel large ingots

MAN Ning; LI Xin; WANG Jiayi; FAN Jianglei; WEI Shizhong

doi:10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2026.01.015

Volume 47 Issue 1

Feb. 2026

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MAN Ning, LI Xin, WANG Jiayi, FAN Jianglei, WEI Shizhong. Effects of rare earth ferrosilicon additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of 45# steel large ingots[J]. IRON STEEL VANADIUM TITANIUM, 2026, 47(1): 130-139. doi: 10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2026.01.015

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MAN Ning, LI Xin, WANG Jiayi, FAN Jianglei, WEI Shizhong. Effects of rare earth ferrosilicon additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of 45^# steel large ingots[J]. IRON STEEL VANADIUM TITANIUM, 2026, 47(1): 130-139. doi: 10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2026.01.015

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Effects of rare earth ferrosilicon additions on microstructure and mechanical properties of 45^# steel large ingots

doi: 10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2026.01.015

College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China

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Received Date: 2025-07-27
Accepted Date: 2025-10-29
Rev Recd Date: 2025-10-21

Available Online: 2026-02-25

Publish Date: 2026-02-25

Abstract

Abstract

Two 45^# carbon steel ingots with dimensions of 300 mm × 300 mm × 400 mm were prepared by the lost foam casting method, with rare earth ferrosilicon additions of 0.15% and 0.35% respectively. A quarter section of each ingot was sampled along the Y-axis from the center to the bottom. SEM observations shows the microstructure of ingots consist primarily of ferrite and pearlite. From the core to the bottom, the ferrite volume gradually increases while the pearlite decreases, accompanied by a progressive reduction in ferrite size. Additionally, when the rare earth ferrosilicon additions is increased from 0.15% to 0.35%, the overall solute element (Mn,Si) content in the ingots increases, which significantly increases ferrite volume and improves pronounced structural refinement. Mechanical property test results indicates a gradual decrease in both properties from the center to the bottom in both ingots, demonstrating a positive correlation between hardness/tensile properties and pearlite content. Further analysis reveals that compared to the 0.15% addition, the 0.35% rare earth ferrosilicon addition enhances the hardness and tensile properties of the ingot while increasing the solute element content. Consequently, the increase in solute element content resulting from the higher rare earth ferrosilicon addition exerts an important influence on hardness and tensile properties.
- 45^# steel,
- large ingot,
- rare earth ferrosilicon,
- microstructure,
- mechanical properties

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References(27)

References

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