Dr. Bhaskar Topalle

Abstract:

The production of Tyre cord grades requires not only a very good surface quality in the wire rods but also a very high degree of steel cleanliness. The reason is that the application is safety critical and the end use in Tyre demands a very high level of cleanliness.

There is both fine drawing and also patenting involved in the manufacturing process which means that both gas content and the inclusion content need to be extremely low. Achieving lower gas content as well as inclusion levels is a challenge in the tyre cord manufacturing process. Careful inclusion engineering, selective use of synthetic slags, high process reduction ratios in rolling and use of rectangular bloom sections are all critical to Tyre cord manufacturing. This paper discussed all the critical parameters that need to be controlled in the manufacturing of Tyre Cord steel.

Since essentially the Tyre Cord is a high carbon steel, all precautions that are necessary to avoid segregation like low superheat, optimum casting speed, and optimum rolling & soaking parameters as to be maintained. Since Al₂O₃ inclusions have to be as low as possible, the selection of the right synthetic slag and Sulphur control while tapping are key to the success of manufacturing these grades. In case sulfur is not low (<0.01%) in tapping, then external heat metal desulfurization is a must before refining.

India is poised to emerge as a global hub in car manufacturing, which will be requiring huge quantities of Tyre cord steels for the local usage of Tyre. This presents a unique opportunity for Indian special steel makers to not only be part of the global supply chain but also to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of steel by eliminating the emissions in the transportation of steel from Abroad.

This project discusses the potential of producing Tyre cord steel in India and the opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint by manufacturing near to local Markets.