Ferrochrome

Ferrochrome is an alloy of iron, chromium and sometimes carbon or nitrogen; the ferrochrome silicon or ferrosilicochromium additionally with silicon. They are prepared by reduction of chromium ore with carbon in an arc furnace. Wherein the content of chromium is ferrochrome 45-95 % of ferro- silicon, chromium between 28% and 40%. Ferromagnetic chromium is mainly used as an alloying agent for the production of chromium-alloyed steels.

Use

About 80 % of the world's ferrochrome produced stainless steel is used for manufacturing. In 2006, 28 million tons of steel were produced. Corrosion resistance and the appearance of stainless steel, depending on the chromium content. The average chromium content of stainless steel is about 18%. Ferrochrome from South Africa, known as "charge chrome", is made ​​of a chrome ore with low chromium content.

Designations and composition

Ferrochromium and ferrochromium silicon, material numbers 0.40xx are usually divided on the basis of their composition into five groups: