süsinikgaatriteks

süsinikgaatriteks, meaning "carbon getters" in Estonian, refers to substances that have a strong affinity for oxygen and are used to remove residual oxygen from a system, particularly in metallurgical processes. These materials are crucial for achieving high purity metals and alloys by preventing oxidation during melting, casting, or refining. Common examples of carbon getters include elements like titanium, zirconium, and aluminum, as well as certain carbides and nitrides.

The principle behind carbon getters is their ability to react with dissolved oxygen at elevated temperatures, forming stable oxides that are either removed as slag or remain trapped within the metal matrix in an inert form. This process is essential in producing metals like steel, where even small amounts of oxygen can negatively impact mechanical properties such as ductility and toughness. The selection of a specific carbon getter depends on the metal being refined, the temperature of the process, and the desired level of purity. For instance, titanium is often used in the steel industry due to its effectiveness at removing oxygen and nitrogen, which also detrimentally affect steel quality. The use of carbon getters is a specialized technique that requires careful control to ensure optimal performance and avoid introducing unwanted impurities into the final product.