Ferrosilicon is added during steel deoxidation because it removes dissolved oxygen efficiently, economically, and metallurgically safely, while also improving downstream casting and steel quality. Its role is both chemical and process-critical, not optional.
Below is a steelmaking-practice-based explanation.
After BOF, EAF, or IF steelmaking, molten steel contains excess dissolved oxygen, which causes:
Blowholes and porosity
Non-metallic inclusions
Poor surface quality
Reduced mechanical properties
Casting instability
If oxygen is not removed, steel cannot be cast or meet quality standards.
Silicon reacts readily with oxygen:
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This reaction:
Occurs rapidly at steelmaking temperatures
Produces thermodynamically stable silica
Removes oxygen from the molten steel phase
Compared with aluminum:
Ferrosilicon provides moderate deoxidation strength
Avoids excessive formation of hard alumina clusters
Produces more fluid inclusions that can float out easily
This makes FeSi ideal for:
Initial or intermediate deoxidation
Combined deoxidation systems (Si–Mn, Si–Al)
Ferrosilicon deoxidation results in:
Fewer sharp, solid inclusions
More rounded, low-melting inclusions
Better flotation and slag absorption
Practical benefits:
Cleaner steel
Lower defect rate
Reduced nozzle clogging during continuous casting
Because ferrosilicon contains iron:
It dissolves smoothly into molten steel
Silicon recovery is higher than pure silicon metal
Less oxidation loss during addition
This makes FeSi:
More cost-effective
More predictable in silicon yield
Ferrosilicon:
Adds silicon without increasing carbon significantly
Does not introduce harmful alloying side effects
Works across explanation:
Carbon steel
Low-alloy steel
Structural and engineering steel
Steelmakers use ferrosilicon because it:
Is easy to handle and feed
Works in BOF, EAF, and ladle refining
Supports stable and repeatable steel chemistry
Integrates well with other deoxidizers
| Factor | Ferrosilicon | Silicon Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Deoxidation efficiency | High | Lower |
| Silicon recovery | High | Lower |
| Cost per effective Si | Lower | Higher |
| Steel chemistry compatibility | Excellent | Limited |
Ferrosilicon is added during steel deoxidation to:
✔ Remove dissolved oxygen effectively
✔ Improve steel cleanliness and quality
✔ Control inclusion morphology
✔ Increase silicon recovery
✔ Maintain stable casting and production efficiency
Without ferrosilicon, steel deoxidation would be less controllable, more expensive, and more defect-prone.
ผู้ติดต่อ: Mr. xie