Exothermic Effects and Viscosity of Oxide Melts Formed During High-Temperature Reduction of Cr-Mn Ore Systems

This study investigates the exothermic effects and viscosity properties of multicomponent oxide melts during the high-temperature reduction of low-grade Cr-Mn ores. Unlike previous thermodynamic-focused research, this work provides experimental evidence of transient exothermic responses and correlates them with melt properties. High-temperature experiments identified pronounced exothermic effects in the 800-1600 °C range. Phase analysis (XRD, SEM-EDS) confirmed effective Cr and Mn reduction into Fe-Cr-Mn-Si alloys with minimal residual oxides in the slag. Effective viscosity, measured via the electrovibrational method at 1400-1650 °C, decreased monotonically with temperature. Arrhenius analysis was applied to determine activation energies and crystallization onset temperatures (T_cr). The results indicate low viscosity and high thermal stability of the slags, ensuring efficient metal-slag separation. These findings confirm the technological feasibility of using low-grade ores for Fe-Cr-Mn alloy production and provide a basis for optimizing industrial smelting.