Advantages of FeSi70: lower cost, but does it provide sufficient deoxidizing effect for ordinary steel? - Knowledge

FeSi70 (Ferro Silicon with ~70% silicon) indeed offers notable cost advantages compared with some other deoxidizers (such as pure silicon metal or aluminum-based products) while still being an effective deoxidizer for ordinary steelmaking. However, whether it provides sufficientdeoxidizing power depends on the steel grade, process conditions, and the required final oxygen level. Let's break this down:

1. Deoxidizing Mechanism of FeSi70

Silicon has a strong affinity for oxygen and reacts with dissolved oxygen in molten steel:

[Si]+2[O]→SiO2

The silica (SiO₂) forms slag, which floats and is removed.

FeSi70 typically contains about 70% Si, so its deoxidizing capacity is lower per unit weight than pure silicon (~100% Si), but higher than many low‑silicon ferrosilicons (e.g., FeSi45).

2. Cost Advantage

Lower raw material cost: FeSi70 is cheaper than pure silicon metal and often more economical than aluminum when used for moderate deoxidation levels.

Convenient form: As briquettes or lumps, it is easy to handle and dose in bulk steelmaking, reducing labor and processing costs.

Dual function: Apart from deoxidation, it simultaneously adds silicon as an alloying element, saving a separate silicon addition step.

3. Effectiveness in Ordinary Steelmaking

For ordinary carbon steels (e.g., structural steel, rebar, ship plate), FeSi70 is fully capable of achieving the typical oxygen levels required for clean, sound castings.

In basic oxygen furnace (BOF) or electric arc furnace (EAF) tapping, FeSi70 is commonly added in the ladle to bring oxygen down to acceptable levels for continuous casting or ingot casting.

However, for ultra‑low oxygen steels (e.g., certain high‑toughness plate, bearing steel, or IF steel), additional strong deoxidizers (like aluminum or calcium silicon) may be needed after FeSi70 to reach the stricter limits.

4. Comparison With Other Deoxidizers

Deoxidizer	Si Content	Relative Deoxidizing Strength	Cost	Typical Use
FeSi70	~70%	Moderate–Strong	Low–Moderate	Ordinary carbon & low‑alloy steels
Pure Si	~100%	Strong	Higher	Precise alloying/deoxidation
Al	~100% Al	Very Strong (fast)	Higher	Final deoxidation (kill steel)
CaSi	Ca + Si	Strong, modifies inclusions	Higher	Cleanliness-critical steels

FeSi70 sits in the middle ground: enough for most ordinary steel, but not as aggressive or inclusion‑modifying as Al or CaSi.

5. Practical Considerations

Addition timing: Late addition in the ladle ensures effective deoxidation without excessive re‑oxidation.

Slag control: SiO₂ formation changes slag chemistry; if basic slag is too low, silica may persist and affect desulfurization.

Temperature effect: Silicon deoxidation is exothermic, slightly increasing bath temperature - helpful in certain processes.

6. Conclusion

Yes, FeSi70 provides sufficient deoxidizing effect for ordinary steelmaking (carbon steels, low‑alloy steels, rebar, etc.) at a lower cost than pure silicon or aluminum.

It is the standard deoxidizer and alloying agent in many steel plants for these grades.

For steels requiring very low oxygen or strict inclusion control, FeSi70 may be used as a pre‑deoxidizer, followed by stronger agents like aluminum or calcium silicon for final killing.

So, in summary: FeSi70 = cost‑effective + sufficiently strong deoxidizer for ordinary steel, but not necessarily the final solution for all high‑cleanliness or specialty steel grades.

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