Impact of thermo-physical properties on three-phase-interactions of molten salt, liquid metal and non-metallic inclusions

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Bernd Friedrich
• Subject Area: Thermodynamics and Kinetics as well as Properties of Phases and Microstructure of Materials
• Term: from 2008 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 75322703

The aim of this research work is to develop a characterisation tool for complex high temperature solid-liquid structures occuring in metallurgical processes, to systematically investigate the mechanisms which allow/avoid this structure formation and to identify the basic parameters for a potential process implementation. In order to reach these targets, the knowledge of physical properties of the interacting molten phases is essential. Up to now, the properties of the relevant salt compounds have too little investigated systematically. At first a salt mixture matrix is defined using statistical design of experiment method (DoE), followed by measuring the physical properties density, surface tension and viscosity. At third selected salt mixtures will be melted together with “standardized” (defined oxidized) metal particles in order to determine the resulting metal/salt entrapment in the suspension. All data will be used for validation of a new interaction model salt-metal-oxide allowing for the definition of an appropriate process window.This project selects the magnesium-salt system, as it has practical relevance and also due to the intensive preliminary work of the proposer. During salt melting of magnesium returns from use or manufacturing, a three-phase-suspension of salt, metal and ceramics is formed at the furnaces bottom, the so-called "black dross". Up to now the understanding of its formation and thus is minimisation/avoidance is missing, as no fundamental research has taken place.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants