Kinetics of Na2O evaporation from CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–MgO–TiO2–Na2O slags

The present work is carried out to study the evaporation of Na₂O from CaO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–TiO₂–MgO–Na₂O slags with high basicity and high alumina in the temperature range of 1500–1560°C. The ratio of evaporation was determined by monitoring the Na₂O content change of the slag melt under isothermal reduction conditions. The results show that the evaporation ratio increases with increasing the temperature. Higher basicity and increasing concentrations of Na₂O, Al₂O₃ are also found to increase the evaporation ratio of Na₂O, while MgO addition only slightly enhances the evaporation ratio. With TiO₂ content increasing, the evaporation ratio first increases and then decreases. The evaporation rate of Na₂O appears to be controlled by chemical reaction at the slag/gas interface in the beginning, followed by a mixed reaction-mass transfer regime, and finally a liquid-phase mass transport step. The apparent activation energy is 134.74?kJ?mol^?1 for the chemical reaction regime and 268.53?kJ?mol^?1 for the liquid-phase mass diffusion step.     

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Physicochemical Properties of Ultrafine ZrO2–Y2O3–CeO2–Al2O3–CoO Powders

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - Variations in the phase composition, specific surface area, and morphology of structural components in the ultrafine powder of composition (wt.%) 70 (90 ZrO2...     

Solid-State Reactions of SiC–TiO2–MgO System and Phase Relations in SiC–SiO2–TiC–TiO2–MgO System

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - Preliminary experiments revealed solid-state reactions in the SiC–TiO2–MgO system that resulted in forming TiC compound, providing, thus, a new...     

Effect of Na2O on Viscosity,Structure and Crystallization of CaF2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO–TiO2 Slag in Electroslag Remelting

Russian Journal of Non-Ferrous Metals - The effect of Na2O on the viscosity, structure, and crystallization behavior of CaF2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO–TiO2 slag was studied using the...     

Viscosity of CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 melts containing SiC particles

The influence of SiC particle on viscosity of CaO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ melts was investigated by the rotating-cylinder method. It was found that temperature dependence of viscosity could be described by the Arrhenius law for systems with or without SiC particle addition. The activation energies of liquid–solid mixtures were mainly determined by liquid phase. Temperature had little influence on the relative viscosity (defined as the viscosity ratio of solid–liquid mixture to pure liquid). Viscosity and relative viscosity increased as decreasing rotation speed and increasing volume fraction of SiC solid particle. For the same volume fraction of SiC particle, relative viscosity was affected by the liquid slag compositions. The relative viscosity was smaller when composition of liquid slag had a larger CaO/SiO₂ ratio or MgO/Al₂O₃ ratio. Meanwhile, it was found that the smaller SiC particle will lead to a larger relative viscosity.     

Effect of TiO2 on the crystallisation behaviour of CaF2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO slag for electroslag remelting of Ti-containing tool steel

The crystallisation characteristics of CaF₂–CaO–Al₂O₃–MgO slags with various TiO₂ contents from 0 to 9.73 mass% were studied using a single hot thermocouple technique, SEM-EDS and X-ray diffraction. The crystallisation mechanism of TiO₂-bearing slag was identified based on kinetic analysis. It was found that increasing TiO₂ from 0 to 6.43 mass% inhibited the crystallisation ability of electroslag remelting-type CaF₂–CaO–Al₂O₃–MgO slag, whereas further increasing TiO₂ content up to 9.73 mass% enhanced the slag crystallisation signally. When increasing TiO₂ content to 6.43 mass%, the crystalline phase shift from CaO to Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂ and CaTiO₃ at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, the crystalline phase change from polygonal Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂ to need-like CaTiO₃. Further increasing TiO₂ content to 9.73 mass%, the crystalline phase are Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂ and CaTiO₃ in the range of 1473–1613?K. The crystallisation of crystalline phase in the isothermal crystallisation is surface nucleation and controlled by interface reaction when TiO₂ content is lower than 6.43 mass% in the slag. It is bulk nucleation and diffusion-controlled one-dimensional growth in slag with 9.73 mass% TiO₂.     

Effects of super-gravity field on precipitation and growth kinetics of perovskite crystals in CaO–TiO2–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO melt

The precipitation and growth behaviours of perovskite crystals from CaO–TiO₂–SiO₂–Al₂O₃–MgO melt in a super-gravity field with different gravity coefficients at different cooling rates were investigated in this study. In a super-gravity field, the first precipitated perovskite crystals migrated quickly along the super-gravity direction, and gradually concentrated and grown into larger crystals in the bottom area, while the new perovskite crystals keep precipitating and concentrating towards the bottom area simultaneously. Furthermore, by simplifying the layered samples obtained by super-gravity into three areas along super-gravity direction: slag-rich area, interface area and perovskite-rich area, the variations in volume fractions and equivalent diameters of perovskite crystals against gravity coefficients and cooling rates were obtained by weighting the values of the three areas. And the results indicated that increasing gravity coefficient was not only beneficial for the precipitation but also for the growth of perovskite crystals in the slag melt. Afterwards, the effects of super-gravity field on the precipitation and growth kinetics of perovskite crystals were further discussed.     

Viscosity of low silica CaO–5MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 slags

Abstract

The viscosity of CaO–5MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ slag with low silica was measured by rotating cylinder method up to 1823 K. Slag compositions were chosen based on five different levels of SiO₂ content between 0 and 11·80%. The MgO content was 5·0%. The mass ratio of CaO/Al₂O₃ was varied from 0·66 to 1·95. It was shown that viscosity decreased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing the mass ratio of CaO/Al₂O₃, following by an increase with further increasing the mass ratio of CaO/Al₂O₃. The viscosity decreased with the NBO/T ratio increasing, and the trend that flow activation energy changes with the NBO/T ratio of slag was the same as the trend that viscosity changes with the NBO/T ratio. Based on the experimental data as the boundary of the homogenous phase region, the mass triangle model was used to calculate the viscosity of low silica region.     

Effects of oxygen atmosphere,FeOx and basicity on mineralogical phases of CaO–SiO2–MgO–Al2O3–FetO–P2O5 steelmaking slag

ABSTRACT

The mineralogical phase of slag after crystallisation is essential to utilisation of steelmaking slag. The mineralogical phases of cooled multicomponent CaO–SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–Fe_tO–P₂O₅ slag with different iron oxide contents and basicities (defined as the ratio of mass percentage of CaO to mass percentage of SiO₂ (w(CaO)/w(SiO₂))) in different atmospheres were investigated in the present work by scanning electronic microscopy and energy dispersed spectroscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction. The mineralogical phases in steelmaking slag cooled in argon are mainly nCa₂SiO₄-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (thereafter nC₂S-C₃P) solid solution, (Fe, Mn, Mg)O (RO) phase. Some CaMgSiO₄ phases could be found in slag with lower basicity. The mineralogical phases in steelmaking slag cooled in air are mainly nC₂S-C₃P solid solution, spinel phase. The overall crystallisation of slag cooled in both argon and air was enhanced with increasing basicity. However, the crystal sizes become smaller in sample with high basicity. The Fe-enriched phases were transformed from non-faceted RO phase in sample cooled in argon to faceted spinel phases in sample cooled in air. The crystallisation of slag cooled in both argon and air was promoted with increasing FeO_x content. The phosphorus content in solid solution was elevated with decreasing basicity and increasing FeO_x content. It was implied by the present work that appropriate basicity and air oxidation would be beneficial to magnetic separation and phosphorus utilisation.     

The Influence of the ZrO2 Solid Solution Amount on the Physicochemical Properties of Al2O3–ZrO2–Y2O3–CeO2 Powders

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - Alumina-based nanocrystalline powders with different ZrO2 amounts were produced for the first time by hydrothermal synthesis in an alkaline environment for...     

Effect of Al2O3–SiO2–MnO inclusions on precipitation of MnS in Si–Mn-killed 304 stainless steels

Laboratory experiments and thermodynamic calculation were conducted to investigate the precipitation of MnS inclusions in Si–Mn-killed 304 stainless steels with various Al and S concentrations. Three types of MnS-contained inclusions were detected: MnS phase dissolved in the MnO–SiO₂ inclusion, the Al₂O₃-rich core phase surrounded by a MnS out layer, and the individual MnS. In steel with less than 0.001% Al, the liquid SiO₂–MnO-rich inclusions can hardly influence the precipitation of MnS inclusions during the cooling process of 304 stainless steels. With the increase of Al in steel, more solid Al₂O₃-rich inclusions are formed, which can act as nucleation agents for MnS inclusions and dramatically promote the precipitation of MnS inclusions during the cooling process of Si–Mn-killed 304 stainless steels.     

Synthesis of TiC–TiB–TiB2 composite powders by solid reaction of powders

In the present work, TiC–TiB–TiB₂ diffusion-layer-coated B₄C composite powders were synthesised via a powder immersion method using Ti and B₄C powders as reactants. The phase compositions and microstructure of the treated powders were characterised by employing X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. No significant reaction between B₄C and Ti could be detected at 800°C. After treatment at 900°C, the products generated were composed of TiC and TiB. After treatment at 1000°C, the products generated were primarily composed of TiC and TiB, with a small amount of TiB₂. The composition and proportions of the produced phases varied with process temperatures and the composition of the initial powders used. Powder mixtures with a Ti/B₄C molar ratio of 3.5:1 and treated at 1000°C for 14?h were more suitable for synthesis of TiC–TiB–TiB₂-coated B₄C composite powders.     

Phase diagram of system As2S3–Cu2S–PbS at 773–1173 K

The phase equilibrium of the system As₂S₃–Cu₂S–PbS and its pseudo binaries with low arsenic contents were studied using isothermal equilibrium and quenching experiments at temperatures between 773 and 1173 K. Based on the experimental results, the phase diagrams of these systems have been estimated. Both estimated pseudo binary phase diagrams indicate higher arsenic sulphide solubility into liquid than previously reported in the literature. The liquidus isotherms of the system As₂S₃–Cu₂S–PbS indicate narrow fully molten area widening with increasing temperature between diginite and galena primary phase fields.

On a étudié l’équilibre de phase du système As₂S₃–Cu₂S–PbS et ses pseudos binaires avec de faibles teneurs en arsenic en utilisant des expériences d’équilibre isotherme et de trempe à des températures entre 773 K et 1173 K. On a estimé les diagrammes de phase de ces systèmes en se basant sur les résultats expérimentaux. Les deux diagrammes de phase, pseudos binaires, estimés indiquent une solubilité plus élevée du sulfure d’arsenic dans le liquide que ce qui avait été rapporté auparavant dans la littérature. Les isothermes du liquidus du système As₂S₃–Cu₂S–PbS indiquent une région étroite complètement fondue qui s’élargit avec une augmentation de la température entre les champs de phase primaire de la diginite et de la galène.     

Cyclic-oxidation behaviours of the powder-metallurgy TiAl–4Nb–3Mn and TiAl–2Nb–2Mo beta-gamma alloys

For this study, cyclic-oxidation tests for the powder-metallurgy TiAl–4Nb–3Mn and TiAl–2Nb–2Mo alloys were carried out in air between room temperature and 900°C, and the oxidation behaviours under cyclic oxidation were compared with those under isothermal oxidation. The morphologies and structures of the oxides are identical to those from isothermal oxidation, except for the Mn-oxide formation on the top surface in the case of the TiAl–4Nb–3Mn alloy. The growth rate of the oxides in the TiAl–2Nb–2Mo alloy is slower and more stable than that of the oxides in the TiAl–4Nb–3Mn alloy, and severe internal oxidation is also evident in the latter alloy; however, the weight gain showed a sudden drop in the TiAl–2Nb–2Mo alloy that is mainly due to the enhanced formation of titanium nitrides at the interface.     

Influence of minor Zr and Ti on microstructures and properties of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloys

Abstract

The effect of minor Zr and Ti elements on microstructures and properties of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloys was investigated. The results show that there is no significant change in the grain size by simultaneous addition of Zr and Ti as compared to individual additions of Zr or Ti to Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloy. The ability of restraining recrystallisation of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr–0·04Ti alloy is weaker than that of alloy Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr alloy, since Ti and Zr have a poisoning interaction. The corresponding tensile properties, hardness and stress corrosion cracking resistance of the Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr alloy were decreased by addition of Ti.     

Phase diagram assessment of CaO–Al2O3–La2O3 system

Considering the significance of CaO–Al₂O₃–RE₂O₃ (RE?=?rare earth) phase diagrams, the Redlich–Kister expression was employed to evaluate the binary phase diagrams of CaO–Al₂O₃, La₂O₃–Al₂O₃ and CaO–La₂O₃ systems in the present work. Also, the activities of CaO and Al₂O₃ in the CaO–Al₂O₃ binary system were calculated. The phase diagram of the CaO–Al₂O₃–La₂O₃ ternary system was first assessed by Kohler extrapolation method. The accuracy of calculated phase diagrams was validated by comparing with existing experimental points and the calculation results from the literature. The obtained diagrams will lay a foundation for Al-killed steelmaking process, metallurgical flux and other fields’ industrial application.     

Cu redistribution during sintering of Fe–2Cu and Fe–2Cu–0·5C compacts

Abstract

The effective use of alloying elements in powder metallurgical steels requires a deep understanding of their redistribution kinetics during sintering. In this work, interrupted sintering trials of Fe–2Cu and Fe–2Cu–0·5C compacts were performed. Moreover, diffusion simulations of Cu in γ-Fe using Dictra were performed. It is found that transient liquid phase penetrates the Fe interparticle and grain boundaries in less than 3 min of holding time. However, C addition limits the penetration of liquid Cu, particularly into grain boundaries of large Fe particles. The results also show that the mean diffusion distance of Cu in γ-Fe in the C added system is slightly lower than that in the C-free system at 3 min of holding time; however, after 33 min, the mean diffusion distance is similar in both systems. The diffusion distances of Cu in γ-Fe, predicted by Dictra, are in good agreement with the measured values.     

Dissolution rate of Al2O3 into molten CaO–Al2O3–CaF2 flux

Abstract

Dissolution of Al₂O₃ into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂, a base system of mould flux for continuous casting of high Al steel, has been investigated by employing a rotating cylinder method. The dissolution rate of an alumina rod into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂ flux increased with increase in rotating speed and temperature. The apparent activation energy for mass transport of flux C was calculated to be 255·6 kJ mol^?1. The rate controlling step during the dissolution process of the alumina rod into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂ flux was found to be the diffusion of the solute in the flux boundary layer. The dissolution rate of alumina into molten CaO–Al₂O₃–CaF₂ flux increased with increasing CaO/Al₂O₃, and it may be caused by the increase in thermodynamic driving force and the decrease in the viscosity of the flux. When the Al₂O₃ rod was immersed into molten flux, an intermediate compound of CaO.2Al₂O₃ formed firstly and then dissolved into molten flux.     

Density of Na3AlF6–AlF3–LiF–MgF2–Al2O3–Sm2O3 molten salt melt for Al–Sm alloy

Samarium (Sm) has been widely used in making aluminum (Al)–Sm magnet alloy materials. The research team for this study developed a molten salt electrolyte system which directly produces Al–Sm alloy to replace the energy intensive conventional distillation technology. In this study, molten melt density was measured and operation conditions were optimized to separate Al–Sm alloy product from the fluoride molten melt electrolysis media based on density differences. Archimedes' principle was applied to measure density for the basic molten fluoride system (BMFS: Na₃AlF₆–AlF₃–LiF–MgF₂) electrolysis media in the temperature range from 905 to 1055 °C. The impact of temperature (t) and the Al₂O₃ and Sm₂O₃ addition ratio (w_(Al2O3), w_(Sm2O3)) in the basic fluoride system on molten melt density was examined. The fluoride molten melt density relationship was determined to be: ρ = 3.11701 ? 0.00802w_(Al2O3) + 0.027825w_(Sm2O3) ? 0.00117t. The test results showed that molten density decreases with increase in temperature and Al₂O₃ addition ratio, and increases with the addition of Sm₂O₃, and/or Al₂O₃ + Sm₂O_3. The separation of Al–Sm (density 2.3 g/cm³) product melt from the BMFS melt is achieved by controlling the BMFS density to less than 2.0 g/cm³. It is concluded that the optimal operation conditions to control the BMFS molten salt density to less than 2.0 g/cm³ are: maintain addition of Al₂O₃ + Sm₂O₃ (w_(Al2O3) + w_(Sm2O3)) < 9% of Na₃AlF₆, Al₂O₃/Sm₂O₃ ratio (w_(Al2O3):w_(Sm2O3)) > 7:3, and temperature between 965 and 995 °C.