Young scientists in Kazakhstan are developing new technologies for producing ferrotitanium

Young scientists at the Zh. Abishev Chemical-Metallurgical Institute are developing technologies to produce ferrotitanium using domestic raw materials. Their research aims to enhance the efficiency of metallurgical production and ensure greater utilization of the country's raw material resources in processing operations.

Ferrotitanium is in high demand in modern metallurgy due to titanium's ability to modify steel's microstructure and improve its performance characteristics. Consequently, identifying more accessible and technologically efficient production methods remains a priority.

Young researchers at the Zh. Abishev Chemical-Metallurgical Institute – a branch of the National Center on Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials of the Republic of Kazakhstan – are tackling this challenge. They are developing ferrotitanium production technologies that utilize complex titanium-bearing reducing agents derived from off-grade ilmenite concentrates and high-ash coals.

As part of this research, the scientists analyze the physicochemical properties of the starting materials and conduct thermodynamic modeling, as well as laboratory-scale and pilot-scale smelting trials. Specifically, they are investigating the potential use of the resulting complex titanium-bearing alloy in the production of ferrotitanium with a titanium content exceeding 65%.

The findings establish a scientific and technological foundation for the increased use of domestic raw materials in metallurgical processing and the continued advancement of technologies for the complex processing of mineral resources. This approach also focuses on creating resource-efficient solutions for manufacturing high-demand metallurgical materials.

A distinct aspect of the work involves training young specialists and actively involving them in the research process.

*“Training a new generation of specialists is a crucial component of the work. "Young scientists, specialists, and students—including master’s students from Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University and NUST MISIS, as well as other master’s and bachelor’s degree holders—are participating in the research. They take part in conducting experiments, preparing samples, and processing and analyzing results, thereby gaining practical experience in research work," notes Natalia Lu, Deputy Director for Research at the Zh. Abishev Institute of Chemistry and Metallurgy.

The research builds upon the Institute’s established scientific traditions in the fields of comprehensive processing of mineral and technogenic raw materials, reduction processes, and the production of new metallurgical materials.

Young researchers are advancing the Institute’s accumulated scientific potential by working on technological solutions for the continued development of metallurgical science and production in Kazakhstan.

Source:gov.kz/memleket/entities/mps