CALCULATION OF THE GIBBS FREE ENERGY CHANGE FOR THE REDUCTION REACTION OF CHROMIUM OXIDE WITH SILICON

The article presents a thermodynamic analysis of the reaction of reduction of chromium oxide Cr2O3 by silicon Si to form chromium Cr and silicon dioxide SiO2. Calculations of the Gibbs free energy change ΔG were performed using the HSC Chemistry 6 software at a temperature range from 0 to 2000°C. The results showed that the reaction becomes thermodynamically feasible at temperatures above 1600 °C, with the greatest thermodynamic benefit at 2000°C. These data confirm the importance of high temperature for the efficient reaction, which is of practical importance for the processes of metallurgical chromium production. Recommendations for further research include an assessment of the effect of pressure, reagent composition, and possible catalysts on the thermodynamic stability of the reaction. It is also necessary to explore possible ways to increase the economic efficiency of the process, such as optimizing temperature conditions and choosing alternative reducing agents. These approaches can help reduce production costs and improve the environmental sustainability of the process. Additional experiments aimed at studying the kinetics of the reaction and the influence of the composition of the starting materials will allow for more accurate modeling of processes, which in turn will increase the productivity of metallurgical production and ensure safer use of high-temperature processes.