Deoxidizer Description:

A substance added to molten metal for the purpose of removing oxygen. The first requirement of a deoxidizer is that it have an affinity for oxygen in molten copper. Probably the second most important requirement is that it be relatively inexpensive compared to copper and any other additions.

Deoxidizer in the metals industry:

1) Aluminum Metal-  is widely used as a deoxidizer.  Aluminum can control austenite grain growth in reheated steels and is therefore added to control grain size. Aluminum is the most effective alloy in controlling grain growth prior to quenching. Titanium, zirconium, and vanadium are also valuable grain growth inhibitors, but there carbides are difficult to dissolve into solution in austenite.

2) Manganese Metal-  is a mild deoxidizer and desulfurizer. It is generally beneficial to surface quality especially in resulfurized steels. Manganese contributes to strength and hardness, but less than carbon. The increase in strength is dependent upon the carbon content. Increasing the manganese content decreases ductility and weldability, but less than carbon. Manganese has a significant effect on the hardenability of steel.

3) Silicon Metal- is one of the principal deoxidizers used in steelmaking. Silicon is less effective than manganese in increasing as-rolled strength and hardness. In low-carbon steels, silicon is generally detrimental to surface quality.

4) Zinc Metal-  although zinc normally functions as a solid-solution strengthener, it is sometimes added in small amounts to function as a deoxidizer, because it has high affinity for oxygen and is relatively low in cost.

Deoxidizer forms available:

Waffle, Ingot, Lump, Granule, shot and custom forms