Effect of SrO on Crystallization Behavior and Structure of CaO–Al2O3-Based Mold Fluxes
摘要
The influence of SrO addition (0–3 mass pct) on crystallization kinetics and melt structure in CaO–Al2O3-based mold fluxes was systematically investigated, employing the single hot thermocouple technique (SHTT), complemented by FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy analysis. SHTT characterization revealed a non-monotonic crystallization behavior: Increasing SrO content initially suppressed crystallization within the lower concentration range (0–2 mass pct), followed by a pronounced promotion effect at higher additions. FTIR and Raman analyses indicated that the free O2− provided by SrO helped B3+ to exist in a tetrahedral coordination form, promoting the formation of AlIV–O–BIV structural units, enhancing the stability of mold fluxes. When the SrO content exceeded 2 mass pct, the effect from network broken by O2− became stronger, which would depolymerize the complex silicate structure in the slag. The resistance of ion migration decreases, which promotes the crystallization of mold flux. The addition of 2-mass pct SrO not only promotes the formation of a new low-melting-point phase (Ca3B2O6), but also suppressed the precipitation of Ca2Al2SiO7.