Interfacial reaction between La–Ce alloy and submerged entry nozzle controlled by external electric field

Abstract In order to restrain the clogging in submerged entry nozzle (SEN) during the casting of rare earth steel, La–Ce alloy is explored in this work. Effects of external electric field on reaction behavior of La–Ce alloy with SEN are investigated. Results show that chemical mechanisms between La–Ce alloy and SEN during the reaction cannot be altered by electric field due to strong chemical reaction force of rare earth elements against SEN, but the speed of chemical reaction can be controlled by electric field, resulting in significant changes in reactions. By the application of positive electric field, stable and dense interface reaction layer can be formed on the surface of SEN. Specifically, newly formed protective layer can limit the formation of clogging at initial stage to continue till the end of the reaction. Proposed novel approach of external positive electric field can be expected to solve the clogging of SEN during rare earth steel casting process.