Belgorod, Russia – Researchers at Belgorod State National Research University (BelSU) have proposed a method to reduce the cost of producing high-strength alloys by using a new additive that purifies iron ore from impurities. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
The main component of steel is iron, which, unlike noble metals such as gold or platinum, is typically extracted from the Earth`s crust in compound forms. Therefore, iron requires preliminary purification to remove impurities that significantly affect the strength and porosity of iron products.
Oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur, for instance, degrade steel quality, according to the ministry`s press service. To remove these during the alloying process, a small amount (up to 0.1 weight percent) of a cerium-containing additive is typically introduced, the scientists informed the ministry.
University experts proposed using cerium carbide to remove impurities, stating it is twice as inexpensive as metallic cerium. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education explained that using this compound does not necessitate increasing the amount of the cerium-containing substance.
«Our proposed method ensures a complete reaction of the product with the liquid metal and allows the cast structure of the steel to be refined by almost tenfold, which significantly improves the quality of the final product,» the statement quoted Ivan Nikulin, head of the Engineering Center at Belgorod State National Research University, as saying.
Refining the grain structure of steel impacts its porosity and enhances its mechanical strength, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education clarified. The specialists have currently filed for a Russian patent for their development.
The work is being conducted as part of the Decade of Science and Technology, supported by the `Priority 2030` strategic academic leadership program within the framework of the national project `Youth and Children`.
