Chemical and metallurgical powders

Iron powder can be used in several chemical and metallurgical processes from the production of aluminium foil to magnetic paints.

Our products also play a role in the recycling of industrial chemicals and are utilized in steel plants and the pharmaceutical industry.

For some applications there is more or less no alternative to iron powder. These applications often have special requirements for specific properties and stringent demands for consistency. In other applications the high surface area and/or purity of iron powder can offer more cost-effective solutions compared to alternative methods. Cost savings can be generated as lower direct costs or on a system level i.e. from increased productivity.

Many of today’s products are a direct result of cooperation between Höganäs and its customers. As the list of existing products and applications has expanded, our experience within the application fields has also grown, giving us the capability to offer our customers the best possible recommendations and advice.

If the application is new, we will offer support by presenting available products and supplying test samples for trials, as the first steps towards finding an optimum solution.

In general, three properties are the most important: particle size, particle shape and chemical composition. Höganäs powders for Chemical and Metallurgical applications are available in a variety of particle sizes, but can be classified in four major categories: magnetites, sponge iron powders, atomized iron powders and electrolytic iron powders. They differ in particle shape and chemical composition, as illustrated below.

Magnetite
Magnetite, a form of iron oxide with an iron content of about 70%, can be used in many applications. Höganäs can offer several powder grades with different particle sizes from the sub-micron scale up to a few hundred microns.

Sponge iron powders
Sponge iron powders are produced through solid-state reduction, which results in sponge-like particles with high surface area and internal porosity. In unannealed state, the typical iron content is 98.5%. However, after annealing the percentage increases to over 99%. Particle sizes vary from fine to coarse.


Atomized iron powders
Atomized powders are produced by rapid solidification of molten metal. In general, atomized iron powder particles are solid and contain no internal pores. In unannealed state, the typical iron content is 98%. However, after annealing the percentage increases to 99.5%. Particle sizes vary from fine to coarse.


Electrolytic iron powders
Electrolytic iron powder, the purest form of iron available, is produced by electronic deposition under controlled conditions. Powders of this type are commonly used in applications that require the highest level of powder purity. Particle sizes vary from fine to coarse.

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