by Origin and Composition
Ferro manganese is a ferroalloy consisting of manganese and iron. It was first developed in the late 19th century as a bulk mixture of these two important metals. Typically, it contains between 30-80% manganese with the remainder being iron. Small amounts of other elements such as silicon, carbon and phosphorus may also be present in the alloy depending on the production method used. The manganese content can be adjusted to produce different grades of it suited to various steelmaking needs.
Uses in Steelmaking
Ferro Manganese fills several important roles in the steel production process. As an alloying agent, it is added to remove undesirable oxygen, sulfur and silicon from molten pig iron during refining in a basic oxygen furnace. The manganese forms stable oxides and sulfides with these impurities, allowing them to be removed as slag. This refining process produces the desired low carbon, alloy steel.
It is also vital for imparting strength and hardness to steel. Manganese is a key alloying element that strengthens steel through solid solution strengthening. Depending on the final properties required, steel may contain anywhere between 0.5-2.0% manganese obtained primarily from it addition during steelmaking. Higher manganese content produces stronger but more brittle steels ideal for applications like railroad tracks and cranes.
Grades of Ferro Manganese
Due to its versatile uses in steelmaking, it is produced in various grades differentiated by total manganese level. Common grades include low carbon it containing 65-80% manganese, medium carbon at 70-85% manganese, and high carbon ferro manganese alloyed with 80-88% manganese or more.
The manganese-rich grades like high carbon are preferred for deoxidizing and slag refining applications where maximum pickup of impurities is needed. Lower grades balance manganese contribution with economy. Medium and low carbon grades around 75% manganese content are most frequently used for alloying structural steels for their price and functionality.
Production Methods
Historically, it was manufactured using the blast furnace coal reduction process common to many ferroalloys. However, due to environmental regulations and improved technology, electric arc furnace production has become dominant globally since the 1970s. The modern process uses high purity manganese ore, manganese metal fines or sintered ore along with coke or graphite electrodes in large arc furnaces.
Temperatures reach 1500-1900°C, causing the materials to melt and the pure manganese metal to combine chemically with iron. By varying heat intensity, furnace temperature and raw material mixtures, alloys with precise manganese analysis can be made. The molten ferro sinks to the bottom and is then tapped off and cast into final ingot or lump form ready for steel plant use. Waste gases from the furnace are treated before emission.
Applications of Ferro Manganese
Steel continues to be the largest end use of it. As one of the most commonly added ferroalloy, it aids in production of carbon steel, low alloy steel, tool steels, and stainless and specialty steel varieties. Automotive, construction, machinery and metal goods manufacturing rely heavily on manganese alloyed steel for their strength and cost advantages. Smaller volumes go into cast irons.
Ferro manganese finds further use as a reagent in chemical and welding industries. Manganese metal is recovered from the alloy for batteries and zinc carbon primary cells. Future applications may include its higher manganese content alloys servicing developing industries like lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and wind power generation. Overall, it remains an indispensable metal alloy widely used across numerous industries.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
