Metallurgy is the process of treating metals to modify their physical and chemical properties for use in a wide range of applications. Chlorination is one of the metallurgical processes that can be used to modify the physical and chemical properties of metals. Chlorination involves adding chlorine to the metal in order to form a chlorinated compound. Chlorination is used in a variety of industries, such as mining, electroplating, and metallurgy of various metals.
Chlorination in metallurgy involves introducing chlorine gas into the molten metal. This will dissolve chloride ions in the molten metal. These ions are then converted to a chloride compound by reaction between chloride and the metal or an alloy of the metal. In some cases, chlorine may be added to the molten metal prior to melting to increase the rate of reaction. After chlorination, residue in the form of chlorides, carbonates, and phosphates will remain in the melted metal which can affect its physical and chemical properties.
Chlorination is usually carried out to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of certain metals, such as steel, aluminum, bronze, brass, and cast iron. It is commonly used to increase the hardness of metals such as steel and aluminum. Chlorination is also used to reduce surface roughness of metals, such in the case of reducing the roughness of stainless steel when used in knives and other cutlery. Chlorination can also be applied to increase the ductility of metals, such as aluminum and steel.
Chlorination is an important process for many metallurgical applications, due to its ability to modify the physical and chemical properties of metals. It can be used to improve the surface characteristics of certain metals, increase its hardness, and reduce its surface roughness. Chlorination is also used to increase the ductility of certain metals, providing them with greater flexibility and strength. Furthermore, chlorination is also used to reduce corrosion and wear of certain metals. Chlorination is an important metallurgical process that is used extensively in a variety of industries and applications, including mining, electroplating, and metallurgy of various metals.