Siliconizing of iron and molybdenum by electrochemical reduction of silicon in molten SiO2–Li2O–MgO

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of silicon on metal electrodes in molten silicate was studied. An iron sheet was immersed in SiO2–Li2O–MgO at 1273K, and the electrode potential was controlled for 1h. Formation on the iron of a Si-containing layer about 10–30μm thick was observed after the electrolysis, depending on the potential. When a molybdenum electrode was used, α-MoSi2 layer about 5μm thick was formed on the surface. The results suggest the applicability of molten oxide electrolysis as a synthesis method of Si-containing alloy layers.