The art of purity: Why the future of rare earth metal metallurgy depends on the quality of quartz crucibles

The article is devoted to the study of the interrelation between the quality of crucibles made of fused quartz and the purity of the final product in the metallurgy of rare earth metals (REMs). The aim of the work is the scientific substantiation of the critical necessity of using high-purity quartz products to prevent contamination of REM melts and to ensure the specified functional properties of the materials. The article analyzes the physicochemical properties of fused quartz, considers the main types of impurities and structural defects that arise during the production of crucibles, and their influence on the performance characteristics of REM-containing alloys and compounds. It is substantiated that manufacturing craftsmanship in the fabrication of crucibles is a determining factor of technological success in this industry. The results can be applied by process engineers and materials scientists for developing specifications for consumables and for optimizing processes for obtaining high-purity REMs.