Abstract:

A reaction interface between the aluminum and K₂ZrF₆ during molten salt reaction process was frozen by quenching the mold in water, and the interface structure was analyzed to determine the formation process of Al₃Zr. Results show that a clear conical interface existed between the K₂ZrF₆ and aluminum. A zirconium accumulation layer with the thickness of about 2-3 μm was formed at the aluminum side of the interface. Many initially formed Al₃Zr particles (with the size of 0.4-16 μm) distributed in this layer, most of which located at the interface. The morphology of Al₃Zr particles is closely related with their size. For the size of 0.4-1 μm, the Al₃Zr appeared as globular and ellipsoid shapes. When it grew to the size of 1-2 and 2-16 μm, it exhibited the rule cube shape, and rule cuboids shape, respectively.

Key words: Molten salt reaction, Interface Aluminum, Al3Zr particle, Solidification