In the world of advanced materials and metallurgy, a significant breakthrough has been made that could reshape the energy sector’s approach to high-performance alloys. Researchers, led by Yang Shouxing, have published a study in the journal ‘Teshugang’ (translated to ‘Iron and Steel’ in English), which delves into the thermodynamic analysis and process control of aluminum and titanium burning loss during the electroslag remelting (ESR) of R-26 alloy. This research promises to optimize the production of high-titanium, low-aluminum alloys, crucial for energy applications.
The study addresses a longstanding technical issue in the industry: the increase of aluminum and loss of titanium during the ESR process. Yang Shouxing and his team established thermodynamic models to analyze the activities of slag components and their relationship with metal composition. Their findings reveal that unstable oxides in the slag, such as SiO₂ and FeO, trigger the oxidation reaction of titanium. Moreover, the reaction of titanium with Al₂O₃ at high temperatures is spontaneous, significantly impacting the aluminum and titanium content in the final ingot.
“Our model effectively calculates the variation of component activity in the slag,” said Yang Shouxing. “This understanding is pivotal for optimizing the slag composition to control the aluminum and titanium content in the alloy.”
The researchers proposed and verified a slag optimization scheme through process trials. They found that adding TiO₂ to the slag significantly reduces the equilibrium aluminum content. Specifically, to maintain aluminum content below 0.25% at 1,873 K, the TiO₂ content in the slag must exceed 4%. Additionally, the equilibrium aluminum content increases with the addition of CaO and Al₂O₃ but decreases with MgO.
Based on these findings, the team recommended an optimized slag composition: 4% TiO₂, 2%-4% MgO, 10%-15% CaO, and balanced Al₂O₃ and CaF₂. Process trials confirmed that the variation trend of aluminum content in the ingot aligned with the theoretical analysis, proving the model’s effectiveness in guiding the ESR process.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector, particularly in applications requiring high-performance alloys. By controlling the aluminum and titanium content, manufacturers can produce alloys with enhanced properties, such as improved strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability. This advancement could lead to more efficient and durable components for energy generation and transmission systems.
Yang Shouxing’s work, published in ‘Teshugang’, not only addresses a critical technical challenge but also opens new avenues for innovation in the field of metallurgy. As the energy sector continues to demand advanced materials, this research provides a robust framework for optimizing alloy production, ultimately driving progress in energy technologies.
The study’s findings are a testament to the power of thermodynamic modeling and process control in metallurgy. By understanding and manipulating the chemical interactions during the ESR process, researchers can tailor the properties of alloys to meet specific industrial needs. This research sets a precedent for future developments, encouraging further exploration into the thermodynamic behaviors of various alloy systems and their potential applications in the energy sector.
In an industry where precision and performance are paramount, Yang Shouxing’s work offers a beacon of progress, illuminating the path toward more efficient and effective alloy production. As the energy sector evolves, the insights gained from this research will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of advanced materials.