Densities and Surface Tensions of Cu-mattes and Cu-slags

Study on interfacial phenomena in phase separation of copper smelting (1st Report)

Abstract

Densities and surface tensions of FeS -Cu₂S system and fayalite slags containing alumina have been measured by sessile drop method in order to investigate the interfacial phenomena in copper smelting such as mechanical copper loss and settling of matte particles in Cu-slags.
Densities of Cu-matte ranged from 4.2×1⁰³ kg/m³ to 5.2×10³ kg/m³ at 1473 K and increased with increasing Cu mass% in the matte. Surface tensions of Cu-matte were about 0.38-0.45 N/m^-1 at 1473 K and also increased with an increase of Cu mass%.
Densities of fayalite slags containing alumina lay between 2.9×10³ kg/m³ and 3.5×10³ kg/m³ and surface tensions of the slags were found in the range of 0.30-0.45 N/m^-1 at 1473 K. Both densities and surface tensions showed a tendency to increase with increasing Fe/SiO₂ mass ratio and alumina content. On the other hand, oxygen partial pressure showed litte influence on densities and surface tensions of the slags.