Abstract
This study investigates the thermodynamic and kinetic features of chromium reduction from chromium ore using complex Fe–Si–Cr and Al–Si–Cr alloys as reducing agents for the refined ferrochrome production. The thermodynamic probability of Cr2O3 reduction by silicon and aluminum was evaluated using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations based on reference thermodynamic data, including determination of the standard Gibbs free energy change over the studied temperature range. The results showed that both reduction routes are thermodynamically feasible, while aluminum exhibits a higher affinity for oxygen and a greater reducing capacity. The thermal behavior of chromium ore and its mixtures with Fe–Si–Cr and Al–Si–Cr alloys was studied by differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis. The use of Al–Si–Cr, especially in briquetted form, was found to shift several thermal transformation stages to lower temperatures and to reduce the apparent activation energy of the high-temperature interaction stages compared with Fe–Si–Cr-containing mixtures. The obtained results indicate that Al–Si–Cr alloy is a promising complex reductant for intensifying chromium recovery and improving process conditions in refined ferrochrome production.