Interaction of Erbium Fluoride with Alkali Metal Chloride–Fluoride Melts in Synthesizing an Al–Er Master Alloy

Abstract

Differential thermal analysis is used to study the processes that occur during the interaction of erbium fluoride with potassium chloride–sodium fluoride melts, which are used as a flux for the metallothermic synthesis of an Al–Er master alloy. The flux compositions under study are used to synthesize Al–Er master alloys and can be recommended for the preparation of intermediate alloys with a high alloying-element content (15 wt % or more). Experimental studies allowed us to synthesize master alloys having a new chemical composition. The microstructure and the chemical and phase compositions of the master alloys are studied.