Chromium is an important metal in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy

More than 70% of the total amount of chromium produced is used for metallurgy. This material is part of many precision alloys, stainless steels and other alloyed metals.

Chromium is a chemical element with atomic number 24 and the symbol Cr in the periodic table. It has high corrosion resistance and hardness, as well as resistance to high temperatures. When added to the smelted metal, it makes it possible to increase the hardenability of the material, reduce grain size and make the alloy more resistant to oxidation when used at high temperatures.

The beneficial properties of chromium metal

Chromium metal is obtained by combining Cr with other chemical elements: silicon, aluminum, iron, carbon, and copper. The material has a characteristic bluish-gray tint and a silvery sheen. It has a low specific weight, increased plasticity and strength. It is able to resist deformation under pressure, while maintaining its structure and shape. It is resistant to sudden temperature changes and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It is not subject to corrosion. It melts at T ≈ 2400 ⁰C.

It is chromium metal that is used for alloying precision steels and other metals and makes it possible to obtain a special oxide film on them, which prevents oxidation of the material when used in aggressive environments. It is widely used in the production of alloys with increased electrical resistance: X15YU5, X15N60-N, X20N80-N.

The use of chromium in steels and precision alloys

Chromium metal is a versatile and useful material that combines high strength, resistance to extreme conditions and many other unique properties. It is considered an indispensable element in modern industry. It is included in the following materials:

• Stainless steels. Chromium is a key component in stainless steels that are widely used in medical equipment, the chemical industry, and the food machinery industry. The presence of chromium in the alloy makes the material resistant to corrosion and oxidation, ensuring a long product life.
• Alloys with high temperature resistance. In the aerospace and energy industries, chromium plays an important role in creating alloys that are resistant to high temperatures. These alloys are used in turbine engines, gas turbines and other systems where high heat resistance and mechanical strength are critical.
• Tool alloys. Chromium is added to tool steels to improve wear resistance and increase hardness. This allows tools to maintain their sharpness and efficiency for longer.
• Electronics and optics. In the manufacture of certain equipment, chrome is used to coat surfaces, for example, in mirrors for laser systems, as well as in electronics to create thin layers on semiconductor materials.

Chromium is an element that has played and continues to play an important role in the world of precision alloys. Its specific properties, such as corrosion resistance, resistance to high temperatures and the ability to form protective films, make it an indispensable component in various industries that require high reliability and durability of the materials used. The introduction of chromium into alloys makes it possible to create high-quality products, meeting the high needs of the precision materials market.

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