Influence of titanium and zirconium on structure and heat-resistance of low-carbon iron-aluminium alloys

The paper considers the effect of introducing ferroalloys containing titanium and zirconium on the structure and heat-resistance of low-carbon ferroalloys. Theoretically and experimentally, it has been proven that addition of 1.0 mass. % of titanium and 0.1 mass. % of zirconium to a low-carbon iron-aluminum melt containing 12 – 14 mass. % of aluminum, grinds its structure increasing temporary resistance and heat-melting. Titanium and zirconium are strong carbide-forming elements. When introduced into a low-carbon iron-aluminium alloy, they form a large number of crystallization centers, thus affecting its microstructure, allowing to get shredded and more equal grain compared to an alloy without additive. This in turn increases the strength limit of processed alloy. In addition, the use of titanium as a modifying additive in a low-carbon ferroalloy allows increasing its heatresistance, which exceeds several times the heat-resistance of famous chrome-nickel steel of 20Kh23N18 grade. As a result, a new technology for obtaining titanium and zirconium was developed based on research of the effect of their modifying additives on the structure and heat-resistance of low-carbon iron-aluminum alloys.