Morphology, chemical compositions and size distribution of rare earth oxides in pure iron

The pure iron was melted and deoxidized by metallic Al and rare earth elements La, Ce and Y respectively at 1600℃ in avertical resistance furnace. The morphology, chemical composition and size distribution of the inclusions in deoxidized liquid ironhave been investigated by using of SEM and image-analysis techniques. The investigated results show that the deoxidation productsin molten iron are complex inclusions of rare earth oxide or Al2O3 combined with FeO finely distributed. The proper holding timeand rapid cooling rate can make inclusions finer. La, Y and Al are more effective than Ce for obtaining finely distributed inclusions.