The Application of Ferrophosphorus and How to Choose Ferrophosphorus?

Ferrophosphorus is used as a smelting material in steel production. In the steel industry, ferrophosphorus serves as an alloying agent and can also be used to produce phosphates. When added to gray cast iron, about 0.5% ferrophosphorus can enhance its tensile strength, and in abrasion-resistant cast iron, the addition of approximately 0.15% ferrophosphorus can significantly improve its wear resistance.

In China, two main varieties of ferrophosphorus are produced: FeP1 and FeP2, with phosphorus content ranging from 15% to 20%. Phosphorus has an atomic number of 15, an atomic weight of 30.97, an outer electron configuration of 3S3P, a density of 1.83 g/cm³ (white phosphorus), and 2.2 g/cm³ (red phosphorus). Its melting point is 44°C, and its boiling point is 257°C. The melting temperature range for ferrophosphorus with a phosphorus content of 18-25% is 1100-1250°C, and its density ranges from 5.8-6.5 g/cm³.

Ferrophosphorus Content Specification:

Industry Applications of Ferrophosphorus:

Ferrophosphorus powder can replace zinc powder, primarily due to the cost-effectiveness of ferrophosphorus as a corrosion-resistant material. Substituting ferrophosphorus for zinc powder not only reduces smelting costs but also provides similar corrosion-resistant properties. In practical smelting, ferrophosphorus powder can form a conductive path, react with significant corrosive media in the air, and impart a certain level of corrosion resistance to the produced steel.

Furthermore, co-smelting ferrophosphorus powder with zinc powder significantly enhances the utilization of zinc powder, effectively lowering smelting costs. The extent to which ferrophosphorus powder replaces zinc powder varies, typically ranging from about 20% to 50%, depending on factors such as usage and product requirements.

The combination of ferrophosphorus powder with metallic zinc can be used to produce electrically and thermally conductive products. In the iron alloy and steelmaking industry, ferrophosphorus powder is an important smelting material used in various applications, including corrosion-resistant coatings. It can reduce the formation of zinc fumes during welding and cutting processes, improve the adhesion of conductive materials in electrically conductive coatings, and enhance the welding characteristics of zinc-rich coatings.

Compared to ferrosilicon, ferrophosphorus has the advantages of fast reaction speed and excellent performance. Ferrophosphorus aids in rapid deoxidation, reducing the time and cost associated with deoxidation, significantly improving the quality of finished steel products, and enabling recycling and multiple uses. These advantages have made ferrophosphorus increasingly popular among steel manufacturers.

How to Choose Ferrophosphorus?

Low-impurity ferrophosphorus is considered a high-quality smelting material that can effectively reduce slag formation, improve recovery rates, and lower energy consumption. To ensure product quality, the ratio of ferrophosphorus to ferromanganese must be controlled when introducing them into the furnace.

The early formation of slag in ferrophosphorus can alter the electrical structure of the upper layer of materials and the temperature distribution inside the furnace. Ferrophosphorus with a high SiO2 content has a lower melting point, leading to early slag formation. In contrast, ferrophosphorus with higher CaO and MgO content is better suited for the production of silicomanganese. The free MnO in ferrophosphorus exists in the form of iron phosphide during the melting process and balances with dissolved MnO in the slag, facilitating manganese reduction. The addition of silica in the furnace promotes reduction, resulting in silicon production.

When calculating material ratios, consider the changes in mineral composition and structure with temperature. Brown ferrophosphorus primarily consists of MnO2, with a relatively high oxygen content, which consumes a certain amount of reducing agents during smelting. The decomposition of crystalline water in hard ferrophosphorus requires energy.

To maintain carbon balance in the furnace, it is advisable to select ores with lower oxygen content whenever possible. Empirical evidence suggests that brown ferrophosphorus is more effective than soft or hard ferrophosphorus. Sulfur in the slag melt acts as a surface-active substance and catalyzes the molten reduction of MnO.

LS Ferrophosphorus Producer

LSFerroalloy Metallurgy is a well-known manufacturer specializing in the production and research of ferrophosphorus. Over the years, LSFerroalloy has established a significant presence in the industry and has received accolades from the sector.