Ferroalloys are alloys of iron that are composed of a combination of iron and one or more other elements, such as silicon, manganese, chromium, or aluminum. They are produced by smelting a mixture of raw materials, including iron ore, coke, and the desired alloying element(s), in a furnace. The resulting ferroalloy has enhanced properties compared to the pure form of the alloying element(s).

Some of the most widely used ferroalloys are:

Ferrosilicon – composed of iron and silicon. It is used as a deoxidizer and an alloying element in the production of steel and cast iron. It also finds applications in the production of electrical steel and as a reducing agent in the production of other metals.

Ferromanganese – composed of iron and manganese. It is used as a deoxidizer and an alloying element in the production of steel. It also finds applications in the production of non-ferrous alloys, as a pigment, and in the production of batteries.

Ferrochrome – composed of iron and chromium. It is used as an alloying element in the production of stainless steel and other high-performance alloys. It also finds applications in the production of superalloys, as a pigment, and in the aerospace industry.

Ferroaluminum – composed of iron and aluminum. It is used as an alloying element in the production of steel, as well as in the production of non-ferrous alloys, such as aluminum alloys. It also finds applications in the aerospace industry and in the production of electrical conductors.

Ferrotitanium – composed of iron and titanium. It is used as an alloying element in the production of steel, as well as in the production of other alloys, such as aluminum alloys. It also finds applications in the aerospace industry and in the production of sporting goods.

The functions of ferroalloys are varied and depend on the specific alloy being used. However, some common functions include:
Deoxidizing steel and other metals by removing impurities such as oxygen and sulfur.
Alloying steel and other metals to improve their mechanical, chemical, and physical properties.
Enhancing the properties of non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, and nickel.
Acting as a reducing agent in the production of other metals, such as chromium, manganese, and titanium.
Ferroalloys find applications in various industries, including steelmaking, foundry, aerospace, automotive, electrical, and construction industries. They are used to produce a wide range of products, including steel, cast iron, superalloys, non-ferrous alloys, and electrical conductors.