The behavior of manganese in oxygen steelmaking

The chemical behavior of manganese in oxygen steelmaking is complex because the element is readily oxidized in conditions found in steelmaking, and the stability of its oxide is a function of temperature and slag chemistry. This results in distinct oxidation and reversion stages during the steelmaking cycle. Recently, a multi-zone model (developed by the authors) of oxygen steelmaking has successfully predicted the plant behavior of manganese but also highlighted how the generation of droplets and their temperature play an important role in the kinetics of the process. This new understanding should result in improved control of this important alloying element.