Combustion of Ferrosilicon-Zircon Mixtures in Nitrogen Gas: Impact of Aluminum Additives

Products formed upon combustion of [40 FeSi + 30 FeSiN + 30 ZrSiO4 (zircon)] + xAl (x = 1.0-10, all figures in wt %) mixtures in nitrogen gas under pressure were characterized by XRD and SEM, with special emphasis on the impact of aluminum additives. Nitrogen content of combustion products and burning velocity were measured as a function of Al content x, nitrogen pressure P and sample diameter null . Stable frontal combustion observed at x = 6%, P = 4 MPa, and null = 35 mm was found to yield a product containing beta-Si3N4/beta-Si3Al3O3N5, ZrO2, ZrN, FexSiy, and alpha-Fe. Our results may turn interesting to those engaged in R & D of facile routes to cost-effective SHS-assisted utilization of industrial wastes and natural raw materials.

Automated summary

Products formed by combustion of mixtures containing different percentages of FeSi, FeSiN, zircon, and aluminum additives under nitrogen pressure were characterized. The impact of aluminum on the combustion products was emphasized, with stable combustion observed at certain conditions yielding various compounds including beta-Si3N4/beta-Si3Al3O3N5, ZrO2, ZrN, FexSiy, and alpha-Fe. The results may be beneficial for research and development of cost-effective utilization of industrial wastes and natural materials through SHS-assisted methods.