Question

state the role of silica in metallurgy of copper ?

Answer 1

During the process of exaction of copper from copper pyrite, Sio2 acts as acidic flux which combines wit iron oxide (FeO) to form iron silicate(FeSIO3)
CUFeS2+ heat  ------>CU2S +FeS +So2
Fes+02---->Feo
Feo+Sio2 ---->FeSiO3

Answer 2

Silica is used in the metallurgy of copper to remove the iron oxide obtained during the process of roasting. If the sulphide ore of copper contains iron, then silica (SiO2) is added as flux before roasting. Then, FeO combines with silica to form iron silicate, FeSiO3