The mechanism of liquid copper deoxidation during argon blowing

Using the method of argon (with specified oxygen content) blowing, the possibility of copper deoxidation has been considered on the basis of specific thermodynamic data. Despite the oxygen exceeding its equilibrium content in argon, a significant copper deoxidation during blowing has been experimentally observed. The explanation of this phenomenon can be the reaction of oxygen with the crucible material. In the present study, graphite and Al2O3 crucibles were used. The stirring effect of gaseous bubbles promotes passing the substrates to and removing the products from the reaction zone.