Thermodynamic modeling of isotherms of oxygen solubility in liquid metal of Fe – Mg – Al – O system

Abstract

Studying the interaction between oxygen and magnesium and aluminum dissolved in liquid iron is an important task in order to choose optimal parameters for refining and casting of steels. Relevance of this research is caused by determining the possibility and conditions for formation of unfavorable refractory particles of magnesium oxideand magnesian spinel in a metal melt. In the course of this research, thermodynamic modeling of phase equilibria implemented in liquid metal of such systems as Fe – Mg – O, Fe – Al – O and Fe – Mg – Al – O within the temperature range of 1550 – 1650 °С was carried out. Calculation was made using the technique of constructing the solubility surfaces for the metal components which connects quantitative changes in composition of a liquid metal with qualitative changes in composition of products obtained as a result of interaction of a metallic melt’s components. The modeling method was based not only on usin­g equilibrium constants of reactions occurring between components of the systems under research in the selected temperature range, but also on taking into account the values of interaction parameters of the first order (according to Wagner) of elements in liquid iron. In order to simulate activities of the oxide melt conjugated with the metallic one, approximation of the theory of subregular ionic solutions was used. To model activities of oxides solid solution, approximation of the theory of regular ionic solutions was used. And the theory of ideal ionic solutions was used for the solid solution of spinels. In the course of the work, isotherms of oxygen’s solubility in liquid metal of systems Fe – Mg – O, Fe – Al – O and Fe – Mg – Al – O have been constructed, and regions of thermodynamic stability of oxide phases conjugated with the metallic melt have been determined. In particular, compositions area of a liquid metal which is going to be in equilibrium with the solid solution of spinels | FeAl 2 O 4 , MgAl 2 O 4 | solid solution has been determined for Fe – Mg – Al – O system. Results obtained in the course of thermodynamic modeling have been compared to experimental data.