In this study, we evaluated the effects of acid leaching on the properties of Cr powder synthesized using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). Cr powder was synthesized from a mixture of Cr2O3 and magnesium (Mg) powders using the SHS Process, and the byproducts after the reaction were removed using acid leaching. The properties of the recovered Cr powder were analyzed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), particle size analysis (PSA), and oxygen content analysis. The results show that perfect selective leaching of Cr is challenging because of various factors such as incomplete reaction, reaction kinetics, the presence of impurities, and incompatibility between the acid and metal mixture. Therefore, this study provides essential information on the properties under acidic conditions during the production of high-quality Cr powder using a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis method.

With the stabilization of Korea’s industrialization, it has become interested in the efficient use of rare metals, climate change and industrial environment and safety etc. It is thus making efforts to implement economic policies that address such issues. Therefore it is necessary to understand the demand, supply and use of metal materials. Since 2010, the Korean government has developed the integrated material flow methodology and has been trying to examine the demand, supply and use of metal materials. In 2013, the Korean government surveyed the material flow of chromium. Material flow analysis and environment emission of chromium were investigated 8 steps; (1) raw material, (2) first process, (3) Intermediate product, (4) End product, (5) Use/accumulation, (6) Collection, (7) Recycling, (8) Disposal. Chromium was used for stainless steel, alloy steel, coated sheets, refractory material and coating materials. Recycling was done mainly in use of stainless steel scrap. To ensure efficient use of chromium, process improvement is required to reduce the scrap in the intermediate product stage. In the process of producing of the products using chromium, it was confirmed that chromium was exposed to the environment. It requires more attention and protection against environment emission of chromium.