Silicon-barium is an alloy composed of silicon (Si) and barium (Ba) that is mainly used for deoxidation, desulfurization, and alloying in iron and steel smelting. Mainly used for deoxidation, desulfurization, and alloying in steelmaking:
1. Chemical Composition
The main components are silicon (Si) and barium (Ba), usually the Ba content is 30% to 60%, the Si content is 40% to 70%.
Common brands:
BaSi30 (with Ba~30%)
BaSi50 (Ba ~50%)
BaSi60 (Ba ~60%)
Impurities: May contain small amounts of aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), carbon (C), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S) and so on.
2. Physical Properties
Properties Values/characteristics
Appearance Silvery-gray or dark gray lumps/granules
Density 3.5~4.5g/cm³ (depends on Ba content)
Melting point 1100~1300°C (the melting point of silicon-barium alloy is lower than that of pure barium)
Hardness Brittle, easy to
break Conductivity Semiconductor properties (effect of silicon)
3. Chemical Properties
Highly restorative:
Barium (Ba) is a strong alkaline earth metal, and silicon (Si) is also reducing, so barium silicon can effectively deoxidize and desulfurize at high temperatures.
Reaction with oxygen:
Ba + O2 → BaO (highly exothermic) Si + O2 → SiO2
Reaction with sulfur (desulfurization):
Ba+S→BaS
Corrosion resistance:
It is stable in dry air, but easily oxidizes in humid air.
Reacts violently with water or acid, releasing hydrogen (H₂):
Ba+2H2O→Ba(OH)2+H2↑
