Optimization of Boron Treatment for Production of 1370 Electrically Conductive Grade Aluminum Alloy

Removing transition metal impuritiesTransition Metal Impurities is vital in producing high-conductivity aluminumAluminum for wire and cable applications. These impurities, primarily titaniumTitanium (Ti) and vanadium (V), can significantly reduce electrical conductivity. To address this challenge, laboratory-scale experiments were performed, focusing on the performance of aluminumAluminum-boron master alloysMaster alloy, specifically Al-3% B (AlB2 phase) and Al-8% B (AlB12 phase), in eliminating Ti and V from electrolysisElectrolysis metal ingots. In the present study, three critical parameters were addressed, i.e., holding time, stirring, and fluxing. All three parameters yielded positive outcomes, enhancing the electrical conductivity of the cast material. Cast house trials were conducted using Al-5% B (AlB2 phase) and Al-8% B (AlB12 phase). Furthermore, the melt qualityMelt quality was assessed through the Porous Disc Filtration Apparatus (PoDFAPoDFA) methodMethod. These trials were conducted in the aluminumAluminum wire rod cast house, where the 1370 alloyAlloys wire rod production occurs. The results obtained from the cast house trials provided valuable insights. Specifically, using the Al-5% boron master alloyMaster alloy with the AlB2 phase demonstrated its capability to yieldYield a cleaner melt, as evidenced by a reduced total inclusionInclusions count.