Densities and surface tensions of Cu-mattes and Cu-slags - study on interfacial phenomena in phase separation of copper smelting (1st report)

Densities and surface tensions of the FeS-Cu₂S system and fayalite slags containing alumina have been measured by the sessile drop method in order to investigate the interfacial phenomena in copper smelting such as copper loss and settling of matte particles in Cu-slags. Densities of Cu-matte ranged from 4.2×10³ kg/ m³ and 3.5×10³ kg/m³ and surface tensions of the slags were 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 mnass ratio and alumina content. On the other hand, oxygen partial pressure had little influence.