Core Viewpoint - A Chinese research team has successfully developed 5N2 grade ultra-pure iron with a purity of 99.9992%, breaking the long-standing technological monopoly held by the US and Japan in this high-end material sector [1][15]. Group 1: Background and Importance - China is a major steel producer but has historically relied on imports for ultra-pure iron, which is crucial for high-tech industries like semiconductors and aerospace [3][5]. - Ultra-pure iron is essential for precision instruments, as even minor impurities can lead to failures in critical applications [5][19]. Group 2: Research and Development Process - The breakthrough was achieved by a research team led by Professor Dong Han from Shanghai University and Hebei Longfengshan Group, who spent five years developing the technology [6][11]. - The team first established a production line for 4N grade high-purity iron using self-developed pyrometallurgical techniques before advancing to 5N2 grade ultra-pure iron [8][11]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The new production method involves an "ultra-high vacuum vertical floating zone induction furnace," which minimizes impurities by creating a clean environment during the melting process [13][15]. - After extensive experimentation, the team achieved a final product with only 4.5 ppm of gaseous impurities and 3.2 ppm of metallic impurities, surpassing international standards [15]. Group 4: Economic and Market Impact - The ability to produce ultra-pure iron domestically has significantly reduced costs, with prices dropping to one-fifth of previous import prices, thus eliminating 80% of the profits previously enjoyed by Western suppliers [24]. - This development has shifted the pricing power in the global ultra-pure iron market towards China, enhancing the country's position in critical supply chains for semiconductors and aerospace [23][24]. Group 5: Future Prospects - The research team aims to achieve even higher purity levels, targeting 6N grade ultra-pure iron (99.9999% purity), which would further strengthen China's manufacturing capabilities [26].
十万吨仅8公斤杂质!中国超纯铁横空出世,美日数十年垄断梦碎
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-28 10:51