Open Access Conference Proceedings

The paper deals with the issue of chromium recovery from slag systems through its reduction with aluminum. Attention is paid in particular to the behavior of chromium oxides in the melt and their transformation into the metallic phase under appropriately selected conditions. Based on theoretical knowledge and available studies, an experimental procedure was designed to assess the efficiency of the aluminothermic reaction at various process parameters. The aluminothermic reaction was supported by silicon as another additional reducing agent. Experimental work was carried out on a pilot scale with an emphasis on temperature control and optimization of conditions for the course of reduction reactions. Aluminum and silicon were applied as active reducing elements and their effect on the chemical composition of the system and the resulting distribution of chromium was systematically monitored. The obtained findings indicate that the use of aluminum represents a promising approach for the effective use of chromium bound in slag. The work brings new knowledge about the course of aluminothermic reactions in slag melts and suggests the possibilities of their practical application in metallurgy. The work contributes to the circular economy by using waste aluminum to return chromium to the production cycle.

Keywords: chromium, slag, aluminum, aluminothermic reduction, metallurgy, recycling

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