Ferro Manganese - An Essential Alloy Used in Steel Production

Ferro Manganese
Ferro Manganese 


Composition and Properties

Ferro manganese is a ferroalloy composed primarily of manganese and iron. It contains between 65-95% manganese with the balance being iron. The desired composition is tailored for the end application. Manganese is added to steel to enhance strength and toughness. It prevents steel embrittlement during heat treatment. Being a hard, brittle material, it has a metallic gray appearance. It has a density between 7-8 grams per cubic centimeter.

Production

It is produced through thermal reduction of Ferro Manganese oxide and iron oxide in a submerged arc furnace. The principal reduction reaction produces manganese monoxide (MnO) and metallic iron. Coal or coke is generally used as the reductant and carbon source. Typical production temperatures range between 1300-1500 degree Celsius. The molten ferro alloy is tapped from the bottom of the furnace and either cast directly into ingots or granulated by water atomization. This cooling process produces fine granular material to facilitate handling and transportation.

Major Applications

Over 80% of global production is utilized in steelmaking. It is primarily used for the following applications:

- Carbon steel production - Adding 0.5-1.5% manganese during steelmaking enhances strength, hardness, abrasion resistance and weldability of carbon steel. It prevents steel embrittlement during heat treatment.

- Alloy steel manufacturing - Specific alloy steels require manganese content between 1.5-10% to achieve certain mechanical properties. High-manganese grades are used to make Hadfield steel which hardens upon impact.

- Stainless steel production - Manganese is a major alloying element in many stainless steel grades where it helps prevent intergranular corrosion and adds strength.

- Cast iron - Adding 0.1-0.4% manganese during cast iron production promotes graphitization and improves castability, strength and wear resistance.

Smaller quantities of ferro manganese are also consumed in aluminum production as a deoxidizing element. It has application in manufacturing bronze, brass and some nonferrous alloys as well.

In 2020, global ferro manganese production stood at around 7.5 million tonnes. China is the largest producer and exporter accounting for over 50% of total supplies. Other major producer countries are South Africa, India, Ukraine, Brazil and Kazakhstan.

The Asia Pacific region dominated consumption with China, Japan, South Korea and India forming the key demand centers. Europe and North America are mature markets where demand is more stabilized. In recent years, growth in production and use of alloy steels has boosted ferro manganese demand from emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Central/South America.

Major international trading centers are Hong Kong, Singapore, Antwerp and Rotterdam. Spot price ranges between US$1200-1500/tonneFOB for standard ferro manganese grade depending on spot demand-supply dynamics. China and South Africa generally set benchmark price levels through annual term contracts with major international customers and traders.

Ferro manganese production is energy intensive with associated carbon emissions. Strict environmental norms are in place around thermal processing, electric arc furnaces and off-gas treatment from global ferro alloy producers. Transition to renewable energy and carbon capture technology is being evaluated to reduce carbon footprint.

With increasing use of high-strength steels in automotive, infrastructure, energy and engineering applications, the long-term outlook for ferro manganese demand remains positive. Demand growth is forecast at around 2-3% annually driven by steel capacity expansions in Asia, recovery in the automobile sector post COVID-19 pandemic, and infrastructure development globally particularly in developing nations. Overall, it will continue playing a pivotal role in meeting alloying element requirements of carbon, alloy and stainless steel production worldwide.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)


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