Silicon-barium (Si-Ba) alloy is an important metallurgical material used in steelmaking and casting due to its excellent deoxidation, desulfurization, and inoculation properties.
1. Chemical Composition
Si-Ba alloys typically contain varying proportions of silicon (Si) and barium (Ba), with minor amounts of calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe) as impurities. Common compositions include:
| Grade | Si (%) | Ba (%) | Ca (%) | Al (%) | Fe (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Si50Ba30 | 50 | 30 | ≤2.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤3.0 |
| Si60Ba15 | 60 | 15 | ≤2.5 | ≤2.5 | ≤3.5 |
| Si65Ba10 | 65 | 10 | ≤3.0 | ≤3.0 | ≤4.0 |
2. Physical Properties
Appearance: Metallic gray or silver-white solid
Density: 3.0–4.5 g/cm³ (varies with composition)
Melting Point: 1100–1350°C (depends on Si/Ba ratio)
Hardness: Relatively brittle
3. Chemical Properties
Strong Deoxidizing Ability: Barium has a stronger affinity for oxygen than silicon, improving the alloy's deoxidizing efficiency.
Desulfurization Effect: Si-Ba effectively removes sulfur from molten steel, reducing impurities.
Reducing Slag Viscosity: The alloy enhances fluidity in steel refining processes.
Reactive with Moisture: Barium reacts with water to form hydrogen gas, so Si-Ba alloys should be stored in dry environments.
