Production of Al Sc Alloy by Electrolysi

Electrolysis experiments to produce Al-Sc alloys were carried out in galvanostatic mode using a cryolitic melt with a NaF/AlF3 molar ratio of 2.2 at 980 °C, using both synthetic and waste feeds. After elucidation of the cryolite electrolyte bath chemistry when adding Sc2O3, small laboratory scale trials allowed for the demonstration of the process and the study and for the optimisation of the electrolysis parameters. Experiments in large-scale electrolysis cells allowed us to run long-term trials in continuous operation, while the on-line monitoring of the cell off-gases ensured the environmentally benign performance of the process. The aluminium product obtained contained 0.6–2.6 wt% Sc, depending on the current density applied. The material is suited to prepare Al-Sc master alloys for 3D printing powders.