| Abstract Scope |
Electrical steels, extensively used as energy conversion materials, have seen increased demand for superior magnetic properties, leading to the development of high silicon electrical steels. Currently, high-performance electrical steels are available in the market as gradient high silicon electrical steels, offering higher magnetic flux density and reduced high frequency core loss, resulting in improved motor torque. However, these grades are produced through a complex processing route involving chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. In the present study, high silicon steel, with and without silicon concentration gradient, was produced by dipping 3.5 wt.% silicon non-oriented electrical steel into a Al-8Si bath, followed by diffusion annealing for varying temperatures and durations. The microstructure of the 3.5 wt.% Si steel after hot dipping and diffusion annealing was analyzed. The associated core loss was measured and correlated with the composition and the microstructure. A reduced core loss has been observed after the hot dipping process. |