Effect of Cerium Addition on the Ewvolution of Non-Metallic Inclusions in Steel – A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7494/jcme.2026.10.3.80Keywords:
steel, thermodynamic, modification, non-metallic inclusions, sulfides, oxysulfides, ceriumAbstract
Rare earth elements (REE), particularly cerium (Ce), are widely used as alloying additions in modern steelmaking due to their strong chemical activity and high affinity for oxygen and sulphur. Their ability to react with impurities allows the effective modification of non-metallic inclusions, enhancing steel microstructure and overall performance. This review focuses on the ways cerium interacts in steel, highlighting transformations of inclusions such as Al₂O₃ and MnS, as well as complex systems like Ce–Al–O, Mn–O–S, and Ce–Ca–Al–O. Particular attention is given to the thermodynamic aspects of inclusion evolution and their dependence on processing conditions. The influence of cerium on sulphide stress cracking (SSC) resistance, solidification microstructure, and mechanical properties is also examined. According to the literature, the optimal cerium content is generally 0.01–0.02 wt.%, while higher amounts can negatively affect material performance.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dorota Kalisz
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