Magnesium vapor-assisted deoxidation of La–Ce alloys through micro-alloying

Abstract

Deep deoxidation of La–Ce alloys using Mg vapor is a crucial process to ensure the quality of the alloy. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of temperature, time and vacuum on the oxygen content in La–Ce alloys during the deoxidation with Mg vapor. The relationship between surface characteristics and the deoxidation process was also discussed. The results showed that the oxygen concentration of La–Ce alloys decreased to as low as 24 ppm after Mg vapor deoxidation. The Mg/MgO layers and micro-alloyed regions on the surface of La–Ce alloys were confirmed to be the driving force of deep oxidation.