1. Barrier Protection (Liquid Slag Layer)
Prevents air/molten steel contact to minimize secondary oxidation
Blocks carbon-rich layer interaction to avoid surface carburization (critical for low/ultra-low carbon steels)
Improves slab surface quality and reduces steel yield loss
2. Thermal Insulation (Solid Slag Layer)
Maintains stable meniscus temperature to prevent cold steel formation
Reduces thermal radiation for better working environment
Minimizes surface defects (cracks, porosity) by stabilizing meniscus conditions
3. Inclusion Absorption (Liquid Slag Layer)
Dissolves and assimilates refractory erosion products and deoxidation inclusions
Maintains consistent slag performance through controlled viscosity
Enhances steel cleanliness and surface purity
4. Lubrication Control
Reduces friction between strand and mold copper plates
Enables higher casting speeds with stable operation
Directly impacts process control and productivity
5. Heat Transfer Regulation
Ensures uniform slag film distribution for consistent heat extraction
Prevents crack formation caused by uneven cooling
Critical for peritectic steels where excessive heat flux worsens surface cracks
Process Optimization Considerations
Slag Design: Must balance viscosity, melting rate, and crystallization behavior
Temperature Management: Critical for maintaining proper slag layer structure
Composition Control: Al2O3/SiO2 ratio and flux components affect all functional properties
This version:
Uses concise bullet points for technical clarity
Maintains all original technical parameters
Organizes information by functional mechanism
Adds optimization considerations for practical application
The structure highlights cause-effect relationships between slag properties and casting performance. Would you like any specific aspects expanded further?