Synthesis of Al-Zr Alloys Via ZrO2 Aluminum-Thermal Reduction in KF-AlF3-Based Melts

Physical-chemical investigations of KF-AlF3 melts were carried out in order to develop the scientific basis of the technology for Al-Zr alloy synthesis. The possibility of Al-Zr alloy synthesis via the aluminum-thermal method was shown. The liquidus temperatures of KF-AlF3 and KF-NaF-AlF3 melts with additions of Al2O3 and ZrO2 were determined using the thermal analysis method in the temperature range from 873 K to 1173 K (600 A degrees C to 900 A degrees C). The dependency of the solubility of ZrO2 in KF-AlF3 and KF-NaF-AlF3 melts on Al2O3 concentration was measured. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2017