Abstract: High-strength, deep-drawable, steel sheet exhibiting dual-phase properties is produced by (i) initially annealing the sheet to achieve crystallographic textures yielding high deep drawability, (ii) heating the sheet to a temperature above the A.sub.1 for a time sufficient to produce from 2 to 10% austenite, and thereafter (iii) rapidly cooling to transform at least a portion of the austenite to martensite or bainite. To achieve such transformation of austenite, the composition of the steel must be selected to provide a requisite degree of hardenability.

Abstract: In the ingot casting of killed-steel steels, insulative walled reservoirs known as hot-tops are employed at the top of the mold to maintain a source of molten steel which can feed the shrinkage cavity that forms during solidification of the ingot. Presently, these hot-tops are set to a predetermined height prior to the filling of the mold cavity. As a result of such controlled height pourings, variations in the volume of the mold cavity lead to significant losses in the ingot-to-product yield. To overcome such losses, the invention employs a floating hot-top. Rather than teeming to a prescribed height, the ingot is teemed to a prescribed weight and the floating hot-top is placed on the surface of the steel so teemed. Further pouring is delayed, at least until the hot top is welded to the surface by the freezing of the molten steel in contact therewith. Thereafter, the hollow center of hot-top is filled to provide a sufficient reservoir of molten metal for the resultant shrinkage cavity.

Abstract: In the box annealing of steel sheet, the tendency for adjacent wraps of the sheet to pressure weld (stick) is decreased or eliminated by passing the sheet, prior to annealing, through a rinse containing from 1,500 to 10,000 ppm of the magnesium or calcium salts of soluble carboxylic acids--preferably formates. Further benefits are realized if the sheet is electro-cleaned with a silicate containing cleaning solution, and thereafter rinsed in the formate solution whereby the latter acts to fix the concentration of silicates remaining on the surface of the sheet.

Abstract: In the electrodeposition of iron-zinc alloy coatings, a lustrous, adherent iron-zinc coating containing 10-20% iron is achieved over a current density range of 400-1600 amps/ft.sup.2 and line speeds of 100-500 ft/min. by employing an electrolyte maintained at a temperature of 130.degree. to 160.degree. F. which contains FeCl.sub.2, ZnCl.sub.2, KCl, K.sub.2 SO.sub.4, a chelating agent such as citric acid, and a minor amount of an adduct composed primarily of polyalkylene glycols.

Abstract: The discoloration or off-luster border area known as "annealing border", which may form on low-carbon steel strip during box annealing of coils in commercial HNX atmospheres is eliminated by (a) subjecting the strip to oxidizing conditions such that the coil edges undergo a weight gain of 0.08 to 0.8 mg/cm.sup.2 of strip surface and (b) reducing the so-formed oxide during box annealing.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing wet process phosphoric acid by calcining a phosphate source at a temperature in the range of 1600.degree. - 2200.degree.F. The phosphate source may be wet or dry mined phosphate matrix, phosphate slimes, phosphate pebble or other phosphate source.