Low Carbon Ferrochrome
Low carbon ferrochrome(LC FeCr) is an alloy material primarily composed of iron and chromium, containing small amounts of other elements. It is produced through a special smelting process that combines chromium ore with other raw materials. From a compositional perspective, chromium is one of the key elements in low carbon ferrochrome, typically comprising about 60% to 75%. This alloy finds widespread applications in various corrosive environments. For instance, in the chemical industry, some containers and pipelines used for storing and transporting corrosive liquids are made from low carbon ferrochrome, effectively preventing leaks and equipment damage.
Chemical Composition of Low Carbon Ferrochrome
The carbon content of low carbon ferrochrome is generally controlled to below 0.1%, with the primary components being chromium (60-70%), iron (25-35%), and trace amounts of elements such as silicon and phosphorus. Compared to high carbon ferrochrome it has a lower carbon content and fewer impurities. The chemical composition includes: chromium content of 60%-70%, silicon content of ≤1.5%, and phosphorus and sulfur content of ≤0.03%. This chemical composition allows low carbon ferrochrome to minimize the introduction of carbon impurities during the steel-making process, making it particularly suitable for carbon-sensitive high-end steel.
| Product Name | Specification | Cr | C | Si | P | S |
| ≥% | ≤% | |||||
| Low Carbon Ferrochrome | FeCr60C0.03 | 60 | 0.03 | 1.5/1.0 | 0.03/0.04 | 0.03 |
| FeCr65C0.03 | 65 | |||||
| FeCr60C0.06 | 60 | 0.06 | 1.5/1.0 | 0.03/0.04 | 0.03 | |
| FeCr65C0.06 | 65 | |||||
| FeCr60C0.10 | 60 | 0.10 | 1.5/1.0 | 0.03/0.04 | 0.03 | |
| FeCr65C0.10 | 65 | |||||
| FeCr60C0.15 | 60 | 0.15 | 1.5/1.0 | 0.03/0.04 | 0.03 | |
Applications of Low Carbon Ferrochrome
- Stainless Steel Products: Low carbon ferrochrome is a key raw material for stainless steel grades (such as 304. 316L), accounting for approximately 60%-70%. Since food-grade stainless steel requires strict carbon content control to prevent intergranular corrosion, low carbon ferrochrome is an essential raw material.
- Special Alloys and High-Temperature Materials: Nickel-based alloys used for aircraft engine blades often require low carbon ferrochrome to enhance oxidation resistance in high-temperature environments. Many tool steels, such as SKD11 mold steel, can have their chromium content augmented by low carbon ferrochrome, increasing hardness to above HRC60.
- Petrochemical Applications: Low carbon ferrochrome serves as a primary material for producing linings in various petrochemical equipment, offering resistance to acid and alkaline corrosion.
- Nuclear Power Pipelines: Low carbon ferrochrome reduces neutron absorption and meets ASTM A182 standards.
Advantages of Low Carbon Ferrochrome
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good oxidation resistance
- Favorable welding performance (reduces the risk of weld cracking)
- Superior cold-working capabilities
- Economic viability
Sustainability of Low Carbon Ferrochrome
With the development of new energy and high-end equipment, the annual growth rate of low carbon ferrochrome demand is projected to reach 5%-8%. Stainless steel for electric vehicle battery casings and materials for hydrogen storage tanks represent new growth points. In the future, the greening of smelting processes (such as hydrogen-based reduction technology) will further advance the upgrading of low carbon ferrochrome production. This will present new challenges for low carbon ferrochrome manufacturers in the industry. XLS Metals is an experienced manufacturer and supplier of ferrochrome, serving users across multiple industries worldwide. To effectively enhance the purity and performance of low carbon ferrochrome, we have established advantageous facilities in China.
