Title

STAINLESS STEEL FIBERS – APPLICATION TO THE STEEL INDUSTRY

STAINLESS STEEL FIBERS – APPLICATION TO THE STEEL INDUSTRY

Authorship

HACKMAN, DR. LLOYD E.

HACKMAN, DR. LLOYD E.

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DOI

10.5151/2594-5300-12Aciaria-383-402

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Abstract

This paper presents the application of stainless steel fibers as reinforcement in refractory materials for the steel industry. The main technical concerns related to the introduction of metallic fibers into refractories are discussed, including the effects of impurities, thermal expansion, economic value of the system, and handling methods. It is shown that, when properly selected in terms of alloy composition and refractory matrix, the fibers do not impair performance and can double or even triple refractory service life. Reinforcement mechanisms, failure modes (fiber tensile failure versus fiber pull-out), the influence of fiber volume fraction and aspect ratio, and bond efficiency factors are analyzed. It is emphasized that energy absorption and thermal shock resistance are significantly improved when fiber pull-out is the dominant failure mechanism. The paper also examines hot corrosion resistance, highlighting the importance of chromium content in resisting oxidation and attack by sulfur, carbon, and aggressive atmospheres. Practical applications are described, including tundish covers, soaking pits, coke oven doors, electric furnace delta sections, BOF stacks, reheat furnace doors, pouring vessel structures, and burner blocks. Reported results indicate substantial performance improvements and cost reductions, particularly when labor and production losses are considered.

This paper presents the application of stainless steel fibers as reinforcement in refractory materials for the steel industry. The main technical concerns related to the introduction of metallic fibers into refractories are discussed, including the effects of impurities, thermal expansion, economic value of the system, and handling methods. It is shown that, when properly selected in terms of alloy composition and refractory matrix, the fibers do not impair performance and can double or even triple refractory service life. Reinforcement mechanisms, failure modes (fiber tensile failure versus fiber pull-out), the influence of fiber volume fraction and aspect ratio, and bond efficiency factors are analyzed. It is emphasized that energy absorption and thermal shock resistance are significantly improved when fiber pull-out is the dominant failure mechanism. The paper also examines hot corrosion resistance, highlighting the importance of chromium content in resisting oxidation and attack by sulfur, carbon, and aggressive atmospheres. Practical applications are described, including tundish covers, soaking pits, coke oven doors, electric furnace delta sections, BOF stacks, reheat furnace doors, pouring vessel structures, and burner blocks. Reported results indicate substantial performance improvements and cost reductions, particularly when labor and production losses are considered.

Keywords

Stainless steel fibers, Fiber-reinforced refractories, Hot corrosion, Thermal shock resistance, Steel industry, Refractory service life, Metallic reinforcement

Stainless steel fibers, Fiber-reinforced refractories, Hot corrosion, Thermal shock resistance, Steel industry, Refractory service life, Metallic reinforcement