Ferrotitanium

Ferrotitanium is a ferroalloy of iron and titanium used primarily as an additive in steelmaking and foundry practice. It supplies titanium to molten metal for deoxidation, stabilization of carbon and nitrogen by forming stable carbides and nitrides, and grain refinement, improving mechanical properties and weldability. Typical commercial grades contain between about 10% and 75% titanium, with common grades often specified as FeTi-35, FeTi-50 and FeTi-75 (the number indicating approximate mass percent titanium).

Production of ferrotitanium is carried out in ferroalloy smelting operations, typically in electric arc furnaces, by reducing titanium-bearing oxides together with iron sources such as scrap or pig iron. Feedstocks may include ilmenite, rutile or recycled titanium-containing materials. The resulting alloy is supplied as ingots, nuggets, or crushed fragments suitable for adding directly to molten steel or iron.

Physically, ferrotitanium is a metallic alloy with behavior determined by its titanium content; it is hard and corrosion-resistant relative to plain iron. In operation it reacts with oxygen, carbon and nitrogen in melts to form stable compounds. Handling considerations include control of dust and fines, as fine particles can be reactive and present inhalation and fire hazards; normal industrial precautions for ferroalloys apply.

Beyond steelmaking, small quantities are used in specialty alloys and welding electrode coatings. Quality parameters for buyers and producers include titanium content, distribution of particle sizes, and levels of contaminants such as carbon, silicon, and phosphorus.