Ferro silicon slag, a by-product from the production of ferrosilicon, generally contains the following typical components:
- Silicon (Si)
- Silicon content in ferro silicon slag usually ranges between 20% and 50%, depending on the production process and type of slag. This silicon is valuable for various metallurgical applications as a deoxidizer or alloying agent.
- Iron (Fe)
- Iron content is usually around 10–20%, contributing to its usability in applications that don’t require high-purity ferrosilicon but still benefit from its alloying properties.
- Calcium (Ca)
- Calcium content can vary but is often around 2–5%. Calcium is useful for removing impurities in steelmaking and can improve the fluidity in casting applications.
- Aluminum (Al)
- Aluminum is sometimes present in small amounts (usually below 1%), and it serves as an additional deoxidizer in some cases.
- Carbon (C)
- Carbon content is generally low, often less than 1%, which can be beneficial as it helps avoid excess carbon introduction during the deoxidation or alloying processes.
- Other Trace Elements
- Minor amounts of phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) may also be present, depending on the raw materials used in ferrosilicon production. However, high levels of these elements are undesirable and usually kept as low as possible.
Application Impact of Composition
- Higher Silicon Content: Better suited for applications where silicon is needed as a deoxidizer.
- Lower Impurities (P, S): Important for maintaining steel and cast iron quality.
Ferro silicon slag’s exact composition varies by manufacturer and process, so buyers often request a composition report to ensure it meets specific application needs.
