Chemistry Report
Chemistry Report
Chemistry Report
I am Joefrey B. Billan Jr., Discussing the importance of iron in the fields of engineering
Iron is one of the most abundant metals on Earth and has been used by civilizations for thousands of
years. In its pure form, it is soft and malleable, but when alloyed with other elements, it becomes one of
the most durable materials used in engineering."
Iron – a material that has shaped human history and continues to be a cornerstone of modern
engineering. Let’s explore the science, properties, and engineering marvels made possible by this
versatile metal."
Metallic Bonding
Benefit: This arrangement provides iron with both strength and ductility, making it ideal for
construction (e.g., bridges, buildings) and manufacturing machinery.
Atoms in iron act like tiny magnets because of unpaired electrons in their structure.
These tiny magnets naturally group together in regions called magnetic domains.
Alignment of Domains:
Normally, the magnetic domains point in random directions, so iron isn't magnetized.
When you apply a magnetic field, the domains align in the same direction, creating a
strong magnetic effect.
Even after removing the magnetic field, some domains stay aligned, so iron remains
magnetized.
Ductility of Iron
This allows the layers of atoms to slide over each other when a force is applied, making iron ductile.
IRON reactivity
Iron Oxidation:
When exposed to oxygen in the air, iron reacts slowly to form iron oxides (commonly rust). This is
represented as:
FCC iron (austenite) is ductile, dense, and non-magnetic, making it ideal for high-
temperature applications.
BCC iron (ferrite) is stronger, harder, and magnetic, suitable for room-temperature
applications like structural steel and ferromagnetic uses.
APPLICATION OF IRON IN
Construction:
Iron and its alloys (e.g., steel) are incredibly strong, making them ideal for load-bearing structures like
buildings, bridges, and towers.
Iron can be shaped, bent, and welded without losing its structural integrity. This makes it
versatile for creating complex parts like:
Mining
Crushing
The ore is fed into jaw crushers or gyratory crushers, where it is broken into smaller chunks.
The crushed material typically has sizes ranging from 10 cm to a few millimeter
Grinding
Purpose: Further reduce the size of the crushed ore to fine particles for efficient separation of
iron minerals.
Process:
o The crushed ore is sent to grinding mills (e.g., ball mills or rod mills), where it is
pulverized into a powder-like consistency.
o Water may be added during this process to form a slurry for easier handling.
Magnetic Separation
Purpose: Separate iron-rich minerals (magnetite or hematite) from non-magnetic impurities
(e.g., silica or alumina).
Process:
o The ground ore is passed over magnetic separators.
o Magnetite ore: The magnetic separator attracts the iron-rich particles and separates
them from the waste (gangue).
o Hematite ore: Requires additional processing, such as flotation, to enhance iron
content.
Smelting
o The concentrated ore is fed into a blast furnace, where it is smelted at high
temperatures (up to 2,000°C).
o Key Inputs:
Iron ore concentrate: The source of iron.
Coke: Acts as a fuel and reducing agent.
Limestone: Removes impurities by forming slag.
o The molten iron collects at the bottom of the furnace, while slag floats on top and
is removed.
Overview Table
This step-by-step process ensures efficient extraction and refining of iron for industrial
and engineering applications.