TY - GEN
T1 - Current technologies for the removal of iron from aluminum alloys
AU - Zhang, Lifeng
AU - Damoah, Lucas N.
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - In the current paper, the Fe-rich phases in and their detrimental effect on aluminum alloys are summarized. The existence of brittle platelet β-Fe-rich phases lowers the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. The methods to neutralize the detrimental effect of iron are discussed. The use of high cooling rate, solution heat treatment and addition of elements such as Mn, Cr, Be, Co, Mo, Ni, V, W, Cu, Sr, or the rare earth elements Y, Nd, La and Ce are reported to modify the platelet Fe-rich phases in aluminum alloys. The mechanism of the modification is briefly described. Technologies to remove iron from aluminum are extensively reviewed. The precipitation and removal of Fe-rich phases (sludge) are discussed. The dense phases can be removed by methods such as gravitational separation, electromagnetic separation, and centrifuge. Other methods include electrolysis, electro-slag refining, fractional solidification, and fluxing refining. The expensive three-layer cell electrolysis process is the most successful technique to remove iron from aluminum so far.
AB - In the current paper, the Fe-rich phases in and their detrimental effect on aluminum alloys are summarized. The existence of brittle platelet β-Fe-rich phases lowers the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. The methods to neutralize the detrimental effect of iron are discussed. The use of high cooling rate, solution heat treatment and addition of elements such as Mn, Cr, Be, Co, Mo, Ni, V, W, Cu, Sr, or the rare earth elements Y, Nd, La and Ce are reported to modify the platelet Fe-rich phases in aluminum alloys. The mechanism of the modification is briefly described. Technologies to remove iron from aluminum are extensively reviewed. The precipitation and removal of Fe-rich phases (sludge) are discussed. The dense phases can be removed by methods such as gravitational separation, electromagnetic separation, and centrifuge. Other methods include electrolysis, electro-slag refining, fractional solidification, and fluxing refining. The expensive three-layer cell electrolysis process is the most successful technique to remove iron from aluminum so far.
KW - Aluminum
KW - Iron-rich phases
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79955141614&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-319-48160-9_131
DO - 10.1007/978-3-319-48160-9_131
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:79955141614
SN - 9781118029350
T3 - TMS Light Metals
SP - 757
EP - 762
BT - Light Metals 2011 - Proceedings of the Technical Sessions Presented by the TMS Aluminum Committee at the TMS 2011 Annual Meeting and Exhibition
PB - Minerals, Metals and Materials Society
ER -