Multistage process for preparing ferroboron

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process for preparing ferroboron comprises first heating a mixture of boron oxide or boric acid iron or, iron oxide, carbon, and a carbohydrate to produce a foraminous char. During a subsequent two-stage reduction process in an electric or arc plasma furnace ferroboron is produced and gaseous boric oxides are evolved. The boron values are captured as they move to the cooler regions of the furnace, resulting in high boron yields. The process is particularly useful in preparing pure and inexpensive raw material for the production of amorphous ferroalloys.