The Uses of High Purity Metals - Chromium

Posted on 4th November 2011

William Rowland are a leading supplier of Chromium.

Chromium is a high purity metal that can be used in various forms such as metal powders and ferro alloys, but it is never found in its pure chromium state. As soon as the metal is extracted from the earths crust it is oxidised. However chromium is an exceptionally hard metal with high corrosion resistance so can be used in a diverse range of applications across many industries.

Along with its strength and corrosion resistance, chromium also has good temperature and pressure resistance, again aiding its usage in different applications. Metal alloys are responsible for approximately 85% of chromium usage. The remaining 15% is spread across the chemical, refractory and foundry industries.
Typically, commercial chromium is extracted from chrome ore or chromite. Chromium is mined across the world including India, South Africa and Kazakhstan and can be obtained in various ways. Whilst Russia uses electrolysis of chromite ore to obtain chromium, America use a combination of processes - electrolysis and aluminothermic techniques - in their production. Usually, countries do tend to use one process or the other.

Chromite ore is reduced by coke or coal to produce ferro chrome. The ferro chrome is then graded by carbon content thereby making it useful in both high end and commercial steel grades such as may be used in applications such as oil piping. The ever versatile metal finds yet another use as a plating material for automobile trims, and domestic appliances. In refractory applications chromium's heat resistant properties make it suitable for use in the bricks lining furnaces and kilns.
Electrolytic chromium, in the form of degassed and double de-gassed briquettes, are used in the production of super alloys. William Rowland Ltd are proud of their long connection with French producer Delachaux who they represent as a UK sales agent for these products.

However, the most common metallurgical usage is its addition to stainless steel. At least 70% of extracted chromium is used in the manufacture of stainless steel grades. Constructional alloy steels also use up some these chromium resources - however these alloys contain as little as 3% chromium!

William Rowland Ltd are high purity metal suppliers and we can supply chromium in various forms across the globe, if you would like to find out how we can meet your requirements, please contact us using the Quick Enquiry Form on the right-hand side of this website.

Tags: Chromium News, High Purity Metals News, Metal Powders News