Interfacial Effects on Iron and Steelmaking Processes

摘要

Professor Geoff Belton was a modern pioneer in the study of the kinetics of metallurgical processes. He carried out some wonderful work in this field and this topic remained a great scientific passion throughout his career. At an early stage of his studies he realized that interfacial phenomena could have a significant effect on the kinetics of metallurgical processes. Thus the study of interfacial phenomena became his other great scientific passion. He carried out some classical investigation of surface and interfacial effects and these continued throughout his career. This paper seeks to review the effect of interfacial phenomena on iron- and Steelmaking processes and is therefore an appropriate way of commemorating Geoff Belton's contribution to this field of study. Recent developments in metallurgical processes make use of reaction rates and high productivity available from the use of foams and emulsions of metal droplets in slags which have huge (surface area/mass) ratios. Interfacial properties are very important in the formation of foams and emulsions and thus a knowledge of metal/slag interfacial properties is mandatory for controlling the process. Olette reviewed the impressive work carried out at IRSID on interfacial phenomena and its impact on iron- and Steelmaking processes. However the gradual realization of the importance has resulted in greater studies of interfacial phenomena in recent years and thus the time seems appropriate for a current review of the effect of interfacial properties on iron- and Steelmaking processes.