Advances in non-metallic inclusion removal from aluminum melts towards cleaner and higher-performance materials

Abstract With the increasing demand for sustainable aluminum materials and the rapid development of high-performance aluminum alloys, the effective removal of non-metallic inclusions (NMIs) from aluminum melts has become a central focus in aluminum metallurgy field and more stringent requirements have been imposed on the content of NMIs in aluminum alloys. NMIs in the aluminum melt will significantly affect the mechanical properties, surface quality and overall performance of aluminum alloys. Aluminum melt purification treatment is the critical step to produce sustainable and high-quality aluminum products. In order to achieve high cleanliness aluminum, various NMIs removal techniques have been developed and continuously improved. This review systematically analyzes the principles and research progress of current NMIs removal techniques, details the influence of different process parameters on the NMIs removal efficiency of different techniques, and highlights the advantages and limitations of each technique. In addition, the key points for future research and development of NMIs removal techniques are also proposed, with a focus on improving purification performance and sustainable development. The aim of this study is to provide a foundational reference for the development of next-generation aluminum purification techniques that enable cleaner, more sustainable, and higher-quality aluminum products for high-performance applications in future high-end industries.