FeV

FeV, or ferrovanadium, is a ferroalloy composed primarily of iron and vanadium. It is produced to supply vanadium as an alloying element in steelmaking and is marketed in grades with vanadium contents typically ranging from about 50% to 80%, with the remainder iron and small amounts of other elements depending on the grade.

Production of ferrovanadium is carried out by smelting vanadium-bearing ore or vanadium-rich slag with iron in a high-temperature furnace, commonly electric arc furnaces or submerged arc furnaces. The resulting alloy is cast into ingots, briquettes, or lumps for direct addition to molten steel.

Role in steelmaking: Ferrovanadium is added to molten steel as a source of vanadium. Vanadium forms vanadium carbides during heat treatment, refining the grain structure and increasing hardness, strength, and wear resistance. The benefits are especially important for high-strength low-alloy steels, tool steels, and high-speed steels, where vanadium contributes to improved hardenability and high-temperature performance.

Properties and considerations: The effects depend on the vanadium content and the subsequent heat treatment of the steel. Ferrovanadium can be cost-effective relative to other vanadium sources, but vanadium prices influence overall economics. Proper mixing and distribution in the melt are important to achieve uniform alloying.

History: The use of ferrovanadium expanded with the growth of modern steelmaking in the 20th century, with producers around the world supplying grades tailored to specific steel applications.