Experimental study and thermodynamic modeling of the Cu–Sn–Si–O system and sub-systems

Phase equilibria between slag, Cu–Sn alloy and solid oxide phases, SnO (cassiterite) or SiO (tridymite, cristobalite) are important for oxidizing fire refining of black copper produced during the recycling of copper scrap and waste electrical and electronic equipment. Integrated experimental and thermodynamic modeling study is presented for the Cu–Sn–Si–O chemical system and its sub-systems. Experimental technique involved high-temperature equilibration, followed by rapid quenching and direct measurement of Cu, Sn and Si concentrations in the liquid and solid phases using the electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Experimental results and literature data have been used to develop the thermodynamic database for the system. The database works within the environment of FactSage software, as well as ChemApp, ChemSheet and SimuSage. Combined with other assessments, it can be used to optimize and develop recycling processes using the black copper route.