Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel Sheet Using Ba and Y Inhibitors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing methods for oriented electrical steel sheets using AlN and MnS as grain growth inhibitors require high-temperature reheating, complex purification processes, and result in increased costs and surface defects due to gasification reactions, which deteriorate magnetic properties.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using Ba and Y as grain growth inhibitors, with a composition including Si, C, Al, N, S, and Mn, and employing a manufacturing process that includes hot-rolling, cold-rolling, primary recrystallization annealing, and secondary recrystallization annealing at lower temperatures, without the need for high-temperature purification, thereby stabilizing Goss grains and reducing iron loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AlN and MnS precipitates are used as grain growth inhibitors, then secondary recrystallization can be achieved, but the precipitates must be distributed very finely and uniformly requiring high-temperature heating (1300°C or higher) for long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecondary recrystallizationVSAvoidslab heating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using Ba and Y as grain growth inhibitors instead of conventional AlN and MnS. This substitution allows secondary recrystallization to occur at lower temperatures (below 1300°C) while maintaining the required fine and uniform distribution of precipitates, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable secondary recrystallization and avoiding excessive heating temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If high-temperature heating is performed to distribute precipitates uniformly, then fine precipitate distribution is achieved, but slab washing phenomenon occurs due to Fe2SiO4 formation with low melting point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecipitate distribution uniformityVSAvoidslab washing phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition by substituting Ba and Y for conventional AlN and MnS precipitates. This composition change prevents the formation of Fe2SiO4 with low melting point that causes slab washing phenomenon during high-temperature heating, while still achieving uniform fine precipitate distribution necessary for manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If purification annealing is performed at high temperature (1200°C) for long time (30 hours or more), then precipitate components are removed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecipitate component removalVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition to use Ba and Y as grain growth inhibitors, which inherently prevent the formation of harmful precipitate components that would require extensive purification annealing. This composition modification eliminates the need for long-duration high-temperature purification processes (30 hours at 1200°C), thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If purification annealing is performed, then precipitates are removed, but Al moves to surface and reacts with oxygen to form Al2O3 oxide that interferes with magnetic domain movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecipitate removalVSAvoidsurface oxide formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition by using Ba and Y instead of Al-based precipitates. This substitution prevents the formation of Al2O3 surface oxides during purification annealing, as Ba and Y do not exhibit the same surface migration and oxidation behavior as Al. Consequently, magnetic domain movement is not interfered with, while still achieving effective precipitate removal and purification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach results in oriented electrical steel sheets with improved magnetic characteristics and reduced iron loss, lower manufacturing costs, and eliminates surface defects, while avoiding the need for high-temperature reheating and purification processes.

Implementation Method 1

Ba, Y or a composite of Ba and Y which are segregated at grain boundaries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrain boundary segregation:

Implementation Method 2

abnormal grain growth corresponding to secondary recrystallization must be formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSecondary recrystallization:

Implementation Method 3

a Goss texture of a {110} orientation should strongly develop in a rolling direction thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrain growth:

Implementation Method 4

The abnormal grain growth occurs when normal grain growth is inhibited by precipitates, inclusions, or elements that are solidified or segregated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation hardening: Precipitation Hardening

Data Source

PatentUS10760141B2Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and manufacturing method of grain-oriented electrical steel sheet
Publication Date: 2020.09.01 POHANG IRON & STEEL CO LTD

AI summary

An oriented electrical steel sheet includes Ba at about 0.005 wt % to about 0.5 wt % inclusive, Y at about 0.005 wt % to about 0.5 wt % inclusive, or a composite of Ba and Y at about 0.005 wt % to about 0.5 wt % inclusive, the remainder including Fe and impurities, based on 100 wt % of a total composition of a base steel sheet thereof.