Exploring Scale Formation on Steel Products using Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD)

Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) is a powerful analytical technique to study surface layers on materials such as the scale on steel products. It provides valuable insights in the evolution of different iron oxides, enabling better control of scale formation and descaling processes, which ultimately improves the surface quality and performance of steel products in industrial applications.

Introduction

In the production of long cylindrical steel products such as wire rods or tubes, scale formation plays a crucial role, primarily during the hot rolling process where steel is exposed to high temperatures. Scale is an oxide layer that forms on the product surface due to oxidation of the steel in the presence of air and must be removed before further processing. The composition of the scale is primarily determined by the process atmosphere, temperature control and material quality.

If not properly managed, scale can lead to defects such as surface roughness, poor coating adherence, and reduced mechanical performance. To maintain product quality, scale removal is essential before drawing the wire to its final dimensions. Removal is usually done through chemical, abrasive, or mechanical descaling methods, such as acid pickling, shot blasting, or brushing. Proper descaling ensures smoother surfaces, better conductivity, and overall improved product consistency. Understanding the formation of scale and its subsequent removal is, therefore, a critical factor in maintaining the quality, performance, and appearance of the wire during production (1,2).

Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) offers a non-destructive technique to improve understanding and management of scale formation in steel production. Using X-rays at shallow incident angles, GIXRD allows for the precise identification and analysis of thin oxide layers on the steel surface. This technique provides detailed  information about the crystalline phases of the scale and offers depth-dependent information. With GIXRD, manufacturers can optimize heat treatment processes, improve control over oxide formation, and enhance the overall quality of the steel product by reducing defects caused by scale.

The aim of this study is to investigate the scale composition on a steel wire rod by GIXRD.

 

References

  1. "High-Temperature Oxidation of Metals" by David A. Young (1989)
  2. "Surface and Interface Engineering for Steel" by Marc A. Meyers (2006)

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