Electrolytic Manganese
Introduction
Electrolytic manganese is a metal element obtained through electrolysis. It is a silvery-white, hard, and brittle metal with a specific gravity of 7.44. In its pure form, it is relatively non-reactive, but it also has a tendency to oxidize in the presence of air. It most commonly occurs naturally in the form of pyrolusite, which is a mineral composed of manganese oxide. Electrolytic manganese is an important industrial metal, used in the production of steel, iron alloys, and non-ferrous alloys. It is also an essential additive for the production of other metals, such as aluminum, magnesium, and copper.
The electrolytic process for producing manganese typically involves the dissolution of manganese ore into aqueous sulfate solution before adding an appropriate electrolyte, typically a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, to the solution. The process is then conducted by running direct current (DC) through the solution, resulting in the accumulation of manganese at the anode, while the cathode accumulates other materials, such as iron, aluminum, and zinc.
History
Manganese has been used since the 16th century, primarily in the form of litharge (manganese dioxide). It was first used to tint glass and ceramics, giving them a reddish-brown hue. In the 1730s, Johann Gottlieb Gahn was the first to isolate manganese in its pure form, albeit unintentionally at first. By the 1800s, this process had evolved and became more refined, with pure manganese being produced in Europe and the United States.
The electrolytic process for manganese production was first developed by G.F. Debes in 1917. Debes was the president of the Battery Reduction and Refining Company, located in Newark, New Jersey. By the late 1920s, electrolytic manganese was being produced in the United States and it was being exported to Europe.
In the 1940s, there was a rapid increase in the demand for manganese, particularly during World War II. In the 1950s and 1960s, manganese production began to slow down due to a decrease in demand. It wasn’t until the 1970s, when environmental regulations became more stringent, that large-scale production of electrolytic manganese began again.
Uses
Manganese is used in a variety of industries and applications. It is used in the production of steel and alloys, in non-ferrous alloys, and in various other products.
In steel production, manganese serves as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer. It is also used in the production of carbon and stainless steels, improving their mechanical properties and enhancing their machinability. Manganese is also used to reduce the expansion rate of steel during hot rolling and hot forming.
In non-ferrous alloys, manganese helps to improve their strength, hardness, ductility, and resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Manganese is used in the production of bronze, which is a combination of copper and tin. It is also used in the production of white bronze, which is a combination of copper and aluminum, as well as lead-based alloys.
Manganese is also used in other products, such as chemicals, fire retardants, catalysts, and health supplements. It is also used in the production of rubber and lithium ion batteries, as well as certain types of fuel cells and solar cells.
YB/T051-1993
YB/T051-1993 is a standard covering the production of electrolytic manganese. It specifies requirements for the purity, characteristics and physical properties of the manganese produced this way. The standard also specifies quality control measures, tests and requirements for inspection, as well as requirements for the marking and labeling of electrolytic manganese products.
Safety
Manganese is a toxic metal, and people who work with or are exposed to it need to take precautions to protect themselves. Inhaling particles of manganese can cause breathing problems and lung disease, such as a condition known as “manganism”. Manganism can also be caused by ingesting manganese, and long-term exposure to it can lead to nerve damage, memory loss, and other health problems. When working with manganese, proper safety measures such as ventilators and face masks should be used.
Conclusion
Manganese is an important metal with many industrial uses. It is produced using an electrolytic process that involves the dissolution of manganese ore into aqueous sulfate solution before passing a direct current through the solution. Manganese is used in steel production and non-ferrous alloys, as well as other products, such as chemicals, fire retardants, catalysts, and health supplements. It is also used in the production of rubber and lithium ion batteries, as well as certain types of fuel cells and solar cells. The quality of electrolytic manganese is regulated by the standard YB/T051-1993. People who work with manganese must take appropriate safety measures, as it is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems.
