Metallothermal production of chromium-nickel ferroalloys is a promising area in modern metallurgy, providing high energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the process. This method is based on the reduction of chromium and nickel oxides using active reducing agents such as aluminum or silicon, resulting in a significant amount of heat, which allows reactions to be carried out without additional power supply. The paper considers the possibilities of using metallothermy for the production of chromium-nickel ferroalloys with specified chemical and physico-chemical characteristics. Thermodynamic analysis of the reduction processes of chromium and nickel oxides demonstrates the high efficiency of their production by the metallothermal method using aluminum and silicon. Calculations of the isobaric-isothermal potential ΔG(T) over a wide temperature range show negative values for all the reactions considered, which confirms the fundamental possibility of reducing Cr₂O₃ and NiO without an external energy source. Aluminum has a higher reducing ability compared to silicon due to the significant energy of formation of Al₂O₃ oxide. Aluminothermy reactions are accompanied by high heat release, which makes it possible to reach temperatures sufficient for the melting of the metal phase and the formation of a low-viscosity slag melt. Silicothermy is characterized by a lower thermodynamic force, however, it provides targeted doping with silicon and the ability to adapt the chemical composition of the alloy. Thermodynamic calculations confirm the stable energy base of the metallothermal process and demonstrate the possibility of flexibly controlling the composition of the final chromium-nickel ferroalloy by selecting a reducing agent and a slag-forming system. The findings form the basis for the development of technological modes for the production of complex alloys from natural nickel-containing ores, providing increased energy efficiency and quality of the final product.

BIAKHMET A.ZH.

Master's student, Aktobe Regional University named after K. Zhubanov, Aktobe, Kazakhstan

E-mail: arsenbiahmet22@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7074-2092

YESSENGALIYEV D.A.

PhD, associate professor of the Department «Metallurgy and mining», Aktobe Regional University named after K. Zhubanov, Aktobe, Kazakhstan

E-mail: dyessengaliyev@zhubanov.edu.kz, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0136-7422

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nickel, chromium, metallothermic, reduction, temperature, ore, ferroalloy