Application of the FFC Cambridge Process for the Production of Titanium Alloys

The FFC Cambridge process involves the electrodeoxidation of TiO₂ in a molten CaC1₂ electrolyte to yield titanium metal and is a potential alternative to the Kroll process or, when a mixed oxide precursor is used, a low-cost method for producing alloy powder. Since the last World Titanium conference in Hamburg this process has attracted significant interest in both the academic and commercial communities. Researchers at Imperial College London have been conducting fundamental studies to ascertain the electrochemical mechanisms involved in the process and evaluating the potential of the process to produce titanium alloys. This paper will demonstrate how electrochemical techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry have been used to elucidate the key thermodynamic aspects of the process. The paper will also present the results obtained from the production of titanium alloys highlighting the capability of the process to produce novel and complex alloys.