Ⅰ. 4 characteristics of electrolytic iron (high-purity iron)

1. High purity of 99.95-99.999%

High-purity electrolytic iron made by our original manufacturing method boasts the world's top purity with readings of 99.95 % (3N5) to 99.999 % (5N grade).
Electrolytic iron has an extremely small amount of impurities improving the dissolution yield which makes it particularly suitable for vacuum melting. Furthermore, non-metallic inclusions are less likely to be formed in the melted ingot, and good mechanical properties such as strength can be obtained. It is also used as a research material in various fields, simply to remove uncertain factors due to impurities. In particular, it is indispensable for new product development in the fields of iron and steel, special steel, and super alloys.

Chemical analysis value of electrolytic iron (representative value)

	purity(%)	C	P	S	Si	Mn	Cu	O	H	N
Mairon SHP	99.99	5-15	1	1-3	<5	1	1	10	1-3	<5
Mairon 1S	99.95	15	7	7	<5	1	2	80	3	5
Atomiron FP	99.95	15	8	1	<5	1	7	70	-	8
Atomiton MP	99.95	20	5	8	<5	1	1	100	-	5

* Figures other than purity are ppm.

2. Soft

Because it has few impurity atoms and the dislocation is easy to move, it is soft and highly malleable. Therefore, it has good workability and its properties are inherited by alloys using electrolytic iron.

3. Corrosion resistance

High-purity iron forms a thin and dense oxide film on the surface, compared to low-purity iron, and is generally said to be less likely to rust.

4. Good magnetic properties

Iron is one of the few ferromagnetic materials, of which high-purity iron has good magnetic properties. It is said that the domain wall is easy to move because there are few impurities. Therefore, it shows a BH curve as shown in the figure below. The higher the purity, the smaller the coercive force and the higher the magnetic permeability, making it a good soft magnetic material. It is also used for hard magnetic materials such as magnetic recording thin films, minimizing the effects of impurities and contributing to improved material properties.

Other

The rate at which C atoms diffuse in the crystal lattice of Fe atoms is high, and the recrystallization temperature is low.

Ⅱ. 3 characteristics of electrolytic iron applications

Iron exhibits excellent properties by increasing its purity. The characteristics of the applied products are diverse, such as; fatigue strength, impact resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and magnetic properties. Electrolytic iron is widely used in research and development and for special alloys at major steel manufacturers in Japan and overseas, special steel manufacturers, and universities’ research institution. Its main uses are as important components that support safe operation of aircraft and automobiles, as well as electronic components and high-performance magnets.

1. Improved fatigue strength and impact resistance

Electrolytic iron has high purity, so there are few inclusions in the alloy which helps to improve fatigue strength and creep strength.

Application

Super alloys for aircraft and nuclear power, various special steels, base metals for new alloy development, etc.

• 

  Landing gear

• 

  transmission

2. Improvement of corrosion resistance and heat resistance

Since electrolytic iron is high in purity, corrosion due to inclusions (including gas components) in the alloy is minimal which forms a dense passive film improving corrosion resistance. The high corrosion resistance is expected to improve the mechanical properties at high temperatures.

Application

Jet engine parts, various special steels, etc.

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  Jet engine

3. Improvement of magnetic properties

Impurities in magnetic materials impede the movement of domain walls and also have an effect on hard magnetism, such as lowering the saturation magnetic flux density. Electrolytic iron is widely used as a base metal for magnetic materials, including soft magnetism and hard magnetism.

Application

Rare earth magnets, sputtering targets, electronic components, etc.

• 

  hard disk

• 

  choke coil

Ⅲ. Future Materials -Electrolytic Iron-

We are developing new materials using electrolytic iron so that electrolytic iron can contribute more to the world. Using the above “Features of electrolytic iron” and “Characteristics of electrolytic iron in applications”, we are pursuing research and development in collaboration with user companies and public research institutions in search of new uses for electrolytic iron.

High strength, high fatigue strength material

Corrosion resistant alloy

Heat-resistant alloy

Magnetic material

Battery material