Rate of reduction of chromium oxides in a slag by FeSi and FeMgSi ferroalloys

The rate of reduction of chromium oxides in a stainless steel slag was studied in stagnant slag / metal melts at 1600°C. The experimental results show that the magnesium contained in a FeMgSi ferroalloy has a reduction potential comparable to that of the silicon in a FeSi ferroalloy. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the rate limiting step in the reduction of the chromium oxides is the transport of chromium from the bulk of the slag to the slag / metal interface. The mass transfer coefficients for the reduction of chromium were estimated and are in good agreement with previously reported values.