Fast and Accurate Quantification of Elemental Macrosegregation in Continuously Cast Slabs using the Micro-XRF Technique

Abstract

Macro-segregation adversely affects the mechanical performance of continuously cast steel slabs. Micro X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) with a 20 µm spot size enables rapid elemental analysis. This study investigates the spatial distribution of manganese, silicon, and aluminum in thin slab caster samples using a Bruker M4 Tornado system. The combination of Fundamental Parameter (FP) calibration and Quantification of Pixels within the Map (QMAP) processing enabled accurate quantification of elemental variations. The results were further validated through multi-scale analyses using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS). The optimized methodology provides an efficient and reliable approach for quantitative segregation assessment.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Bruker M4 Tornado; Continuous Casting of Steels; Elemental Segregation; FP; Macro-segregation; Micro-XRF; QMAP; Thin Slab

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-093076745-7

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1551-6997

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2026

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