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Research on Ironmaking Technology of the Ming Dynasty in Benxi Area based on Metallurgical-Related Principles

Author(s)

Huang Yan1,2,3, Chen Ren1,3, Jiang Maofa2, Chen Shiyi2, Sui Yingying1, Mei Xiaohui1,2, Jin Jun4

Affiliation(s)

1School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Benxi, China 2Northeastern university School of Metallurgy, Shenyang, China 3Liaoning Key Laboratory of Optimization and Utilization of Non-associated Low-grade Iron Ore in Benxi, Benxi, China 4Benxi Museum, Benxi, China

Abstract

This work carries out physical and chemical analysis of Ming dynasty slag samples, fragments of ironmaking reactor (crucible), and iron agricultural tools (in Benxi Museum) in the Benxi area, and then constructs a ternary phase diagram of slag composition utilizing relevant principles of metallurgy to calculate the soft melting temperature of the slag. The values of smelting temperature are calculated based on slag-metal distribution ratio of sulfur and using the J. F. Elliot's empirical equation, respectively, and are subsequently compared. In addition, adaptation relationship between slag and metal compositions is built based on specific constraint conditions. The results show that the smelting temperature for ironmaking at the historical site ranges from 1300℃ to 1480℃ and the carbon content of the Ming dynasty agricultural tools in Benxi Museum ranges from 0.85% to 4.75%. Applying theories related to refractory materials, it is estimated that the refractoriness of the ironmaking reactor at the site exceeds 1700℃. The carbon and sulfur contents in the Ming dynasty agricultural tools allow for inferences regarding the processing characteristics of iron tools for various applications. Through the analysis of the relationship between blast pressure and smelting temperature, it is deduced that blast equipment was used in the ironmaking process at the site. These results provide a critical theoretical foundation for the investigation of ironmaking technology in northeastern China during the Ming dynasty.

Keywords

Benxi Area; History of Ironmaking; Ming Dynasty; Ironmaking Process; Slag-Metal Distribution Ratio of Sulfur; Adaptation Relationship

References

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