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During refining of stainless-steel melt using the AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) process, slag composition and melt stirring can significantly affect the decarburization behavior and reduction of Cr2O3 in slag. An 18 wt%Cr-8 wt%Ni stainless-steel melt containing 0.2 wt%C was decarburized at 1650 ℃ by different types of slag containing Cr2O3. Melt stirring by Ar or Ar+O2 gas bubbling through a submerged nozzle enhanced the decarburization rate significantly. Pure solid Cr2O3 and liquid slag containing Cr2O3 were far more effective than a solid CaO-Cr2O3 mixture for decarburization. The formation of a stable CaO․ Cr2O3 phase in the slag was confirmed by XRD analysis after the decarburization experiment with CaO-Cr2O3 slag. Therefore, in order to improve the decarburization of stainless-steel melt in low-carbon-content regions, it is essential to increase the liquid fraction of slag.

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