Catalytic effect of carbide-forming oxides on the graphitization of carbon objects used in metallurgy

The paper aims to study the possibility of using carbide-forming oxides as catalysts for the graphitization of objects used in metallurgy. Published data on the role of catalysts (carbide-forming metals and their oxides) for the graphitization of carbon materials was analyzed. These graphitization catalysts are shown to be able to significantly reduce the graphitization temperature. The physicochemical properties characteristic of carbon materials graphitized without the use of catalysts are preserved. It was revealed that in the case of bulk materials, the graphitization temperature can be reduced to 1200–1500℃ with the use of catalysts (as opposed to 2000ºС and above). The mechanism of catalytic graphitization involving two reactions is described: interaction between a metal (or its oxide) and carbon with the formation of carbide; subsequent formation of pure metal and carbide-like graphite with increasing temperature. The resulting graphite phase constitutes the crystallization nucleus. The main problem associated with the use of catalysts in the production of graphitized objects was identified—the removal of reaction products, including metals. It is shown that additional catalyst charging can be performed at the stage of mixing and forming, which results in the removal of a part of the reaction products at the stage of baking. The mechanism of removing reaction products is expected to be comparable to ash removal from the piece to be graphitized. It was proven effective for objects to contain carbide-forming oxides, even in insignificant amounts (up to 5 wt%). Due to this, as well as given the possibility of catalyst selection, the negative effect of excessive oxide content in the charge can be reduced depending on further operating conditions. Thus, the use of catalysts for the graphitization of electrodes used in metallurgy is a promising way to reduce the process temperature. However, it is required to select the optimal oxide content and adjust the conditions of electrothermal processes in order to adapt the technology for large-sized products.

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