Ferrosilicon is an alloy composed of iron and silicon. It is produced in electric furnaces using coke, steel scrap, and quartz (or silica) as raw materials.
Main Functions of Ferrosilicon
Ferrosilicon is primarily used as a deoxidizer and alloying agent in the steelmaking industry. Adding an appropriate amount of ferrosilicon during the steelmaking process can reduce the oxygen content, thereby improving purity and strength. Silicon in ferrosilicon can also form alloys with other elements in steel, enhancing its wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and tensile strength.
Ferrosilicon is also widely used in the casting industry. During casting, it acts as a deoxidizer and alloy additive, improving the structure and properties of castings—such as reducing porosity, inclusions, and shrinkage defects, and enhancing the strength and toughness of the final products. In addition, ferrosilicon can also be used as a raw material for refractory materials, including high-temperature furnace charges and refractory bricks.
Classification of Ferrosilicon
Ferrosilicon comes in various grades based on silicon content, each suited for different industrial applications:
FeSi75 (75% Si): Used extensively in steel mills and molybdenum alloy plants as a deoxidizer and alloying agent.
FeSi72 (72% Si): Popular in both granular form for foundries and powdered form for steel and ferroalloy production.
FeSi65 (65% Si): Suitable for general metallurgical purposes.
FeSi45 (45% Si): Applied in electrode manufacturing as welding flux.
FeSi15 (15% Si) powder: Used in mineral processing for materials like diamonds, gold, aluminum, and chrome ores.
By Particle Size:
Ferrosilicon Lump: 10–50/ 60/ 70/ 100mm, 50–150mm
Ferrosilicon Granules: 3–10mm, 1–5mm, 5–15mm
Ferrosilicon Powder: 0–3mm, 0–5mm
Applications of FeSi75 and FeSi72
FeSi75 (Si 74–80%) widely used as a deoxidizer in steelmaking.
FeSi72 (Si 72–80%) also used in aluminum production and as a steel deoxidizer.
FeSi75 is a critical deoxidizer and alloying agent in steelmaking, improving quality and reducing phosphorus and sulfur content. In casting, adding FeSi75 helps prevent carbide formation, promotes graphite precipitation, and acts as an inoculant and nodulizer.
FeSi72 is used as an alloying element in low-alloy structural steel, spring steel, bearing steel, heat-resistant steel, and electrical silicon steel. It is also used as an inoculant in ductile and malleable cast iron, and as a reductant in ferroalloy and chemical industries. During steelmaking, FeSi72 enhances deoxidation and steel performance, while in casting, it improves graphite formation in low-phosphorus, low-sulfur iron castings.
About LSFerroalloy
LSFerroalloy, established in 1999, operates a 45,000-square-meter manufacturing facility. We also have a processing plant in Ningxia, China.
With a commitment to quality, customization, and reliable delivery, our ferrosilicon products are exported to clients across the globe. We offer flexible packaging, tailored specifications, and