company news about What is ferrosilicon made of?

Ferrosilicon (FeSi) is an iron–silicon alloy produced for metallurgical use, primarily in steelmaking and foundry applications. Its composition and production method are designed to deliver controlled silicon content with minimal impurities.

• Typically 15%–90%, depending on grade

• Provides deoxidation, alloying, and strengthening effects

• The active element responsible for oxygen removal and silicon adjustment

• Balance component

• Acts as the carrier metal for silicon

• Ensures compatibility with molten steel and iron

Exact limits vary by standard and customer specification.

Ferrosilicon is produced in submerged electric arc furnaces using:

• Quartz (SiO₂) – source of silicon

• Iron ore or steel scrap – source of iron

• Carbon reductants (coke, coal, charcoal) – reduce silica to silicon

• Electric power – provides the high temperatures (≈2000 °C) required

Core reaction (simplified):

SiO₂ + 2C → Si + 2CO↑

Depending on raw materials and furnace control, small amounts of:

• Aluminum (Al)

• Calcium (Ca)

• Carbon (C)

• Phosphorus (P)

• Sulfur (S)

These are tightly controlled because they affect:

• Steel cleanliness

• Castability

• Final mechanical properties

After smelting, ferrosilicon is:

• Tapped as molten alloy

• Cooled and solidified

• Crushed and screened into lumps, granules, or powder

Common sizes:

• 10–50 mm

• 10–100 mm

• Fines and powders for injection

Precise ferrosilicon composition ensures:

• Predictable deoxidation efficiency

• Accurate silicon recovery

• Stable steel chemistry

• Lower defect rates

This is why industrial users focus not only on Si %, but also on impurity limits and particle size.