Thermodynamics of boron distribution in solvent refining of silicon using ferrosilicon alloys

Distribution coefficient of boron between purified solid silicon and iron-silicon melt at infinite dilution of boron was evaluated to investigate the effectiveness of boron removal from silicon by solvent refining using iron. The estimated values for distribution coefficient of boron at infinite dilution are: 0.49 +/- 0.01 (1583 K), 0.41 +/- 0.03 (1533 K) and 0.33 +/- 0.04 (1483 K). The distribution coefficient increases with temperature showing less boron removal at higher temperatures. The estimated values for self interaction parameter of boron are as follow: -96 +/- 12 (1583 K), -111 +/- 28 (1533 K) and -159 +/- 45 (1483 K). Activity coefficient of boron in solid silicon was obtained and related to temperature as ln gamma(0)(B) (in solid Si) = (16317 +/- 282)(1/T) - (7.06 +/- 0.18). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.