CHROME

Chrome, which is a natural component of the earth's crust, is one of the basic elements of metallurgy, chemical and refractory industries.

The chemical composition of chrome ore determines the areas of use of the ore in industry. In chemical analysis, percentage of SiO2, Cr2O3, Al2O3 and the ratio of Cr/Fe are quite determinant. The highest Cr2O3 content of the chromite mineral known in nature is 68%. There are limitations regarding the chemical composition and physical properties of chrome ore according to the areas of its use in industry.

In accordance with technological developments, the limitations of use due to the chemical composition of the ore are becoming increasingly flexible. With developing technology, high ferrous chrome ore, defined as a chemical ore, can now also be used in the metallurgical industry.

The most important use of chrome ore in the metallurgical industry is the production of ferrochrome which is used to make stainless steel. Ferrochrome, on the other hand, is a very important substance in the stainless steel and weapons industry. Chrome gives steel hardness and resistance to breakage and impacts and provides protection against wear and oxidation.

In the metallurgical industry, chrome is consumed in the form of ferrochrome, ferro-silico-chromium, chrome compounds, exothermic chrome additives, other chromealloys, and chrome metal.

In recent years, about 95% of the chrome used in the metallurgical industry (chrome iron alloys and chrome metal) is consumed in the form of ferrochrome, and ferrochrome is mainly used for making stainless and heat-resistant steel. Stainless steels contain chrome between 12-40%. Since advances in steelmaking technology reduce chromium losses through slag mixing and oxidation, the use of ferrochrome is becoming more and more efficient, which leads to an increase in ferrochrome consumption at a rate less than that of stainless-steel production.

Chrome metal is used in high-performance alloys, Al, Ti, Cu alloys, and heat and electricity resistant alloys.