The Multiple Effects of RE Element Addition in Non-Oriented Silicon Steel

High-grade non-oriented silicon steel with high magnetic induction and low iron loss produced with low carbon emissions is crucial for the development of new energy and energy-saving motors. In this paper, the trace mixed rare earth (RE) elements exhibit a great potential to enhance magnetic properties in a lower carbon emission process by multiple effects on microstructure, texture, and inclusion in non-oriented silicon steel. With the trace-doped RE elements (0.004-0.030%), RE-rich precipitates preferentially form and subsequently adsorb fine inclusions below 1 μm to transform into spherical or ellipsoidal shape, which results in a significant increase in final recrystallization grain size. Moreover, the favorable λ texture (<001>//ND) is promoted while the detrimental γ texture (<111>//ND) is reduced, owing to the advantages in size and quantity of λ grains during the nucleation process. The improved magnetic properties of higher B50 and lower P15/50 are achieved with 0.004% RE at lower annealing temperature ranges. The increased λ texture is attributed to the heterogeneity in microstructure and texture as well as the grain boundary segregation of RE elements. However, a higher RE content (0.072%) leads to a deterioration in magnetic performance due to the formation of more stable RE-rich precipitates, smaller grains, and stronger γ texture. An iron loss calculation model was also proposed to guide the design of high-grade non-oriented silicon steel by incorporating the multiple effects of RE elements on grain size, recrystallization texture, and inclusion.