What are the Uses of Iron?

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Iron is fourth most common element found in the Earth’s crust. It forms an integral part of both the Earth's outer and inner core. Iron is a chemical element which lies in the first transition series. Chemically it is identified with the symbol 'Fe'derived from the Latin word ferrum. The atomic number of Iron is 26. Like other Group 8 elements, Iron exhibits wide array of oxidation states starting from −2 to + 6. +2 and +3 are the most common oxidative states of Iron. This element is highly reactive to oxygen and water. On being oxidized, Iron is converted to iron oxide known as rust. Unlike oxide layers, Iron oxides flake off easily and expose fresh surfaces for corrosion. Fresh Iron surface possess a lustrous silvery-gray hue. Pure Iron is softer than aluminium. The metal can be hardened and strengthened by addition of impurities such as carbon, silicon, sulphur, and phosphorus during the smelting process. In the blast furnaces, crude Iron metal is produced when iron ore is reduced by coke to cast iron.

When was Iron discovered?

It is assumed that Iron was discovered in South East Asian region about 4000 years ago. At that period, Iron was rated more expensive than gold. In 1200 BC, the  "Iron Age" begun. In this period, the method of extraction and working method improved. Early users developed sophisticated hammering techniques, replacing casting procedures.

What are the properties of Iron?

The melting point of Iron is 1535°C, boiling point is 2750°C, specific gravity is 7.874 (20°C). There are four allotropic of Iron known as ferrites: alpha (a), beta (b), gamma (g), and delta (d). Alpha (a) has a transition point at 770°C, beta (b) has a transition point at 928°C, and gamma (g) has a transition point at 1530°C. The alpha form has magnetic properties, but when transformed into the beta form, its magnetic property disappears.

What are uses of Iron in human body?

Iron is the most critical mineral needed by the human body. The element red cell aids in the transportation of oxygen between the cells. Iron also assists with the synthesis of different enzymes responsible for various metabolic functions. Iron is a key constituent of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lung cells to other organs. Besides, Iron plays a pivotal role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), powerhouse in human body. Deficiency of Iron in human body means less amount of oxygen in our body. Eventually, our body becomes incapable to continue regular essential mechanisms. Deficiency of iron is medically termed as anemia. It must be treated with regular iron supplements containing iron gluconate compounds.

What are the Commercial Uses of Iron?

• In the Haber - Bosch Process, Iron catalysts are used for commercial production of ammonia.
• Iron catalysts are utilized to convert carbon monoxide to hydrocarbon (Fischer - Tropsch Process). These hydrocarbons are used as fuels and lubricants.
• Iron is the most commonly used for manufacturing components of automobiles, machineries, tools, and building structures.
• Stainless steel is an alloy of metal Iron, carbon, chromium, silicon, molybdenum, and nickel. Stainless steel has the strength to withstand high pressure and temperature. There are 27 grades of steel.  Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant steel used extensively used to produce cutlery, cookware, hardware, surgical appliances, nuclear reactors, boilers, industrial equipment, automotive parts, aerospace components, jewelries, firearms, watch, storage tanks, tankers, monuments and sculptures.Tungsten steel is used for making cutting and drilling tools used for chopping metals. 
• An alloy of Iron and niobium is extremely strong and is used in the constructing of nuclear reactors.
• Iron chloride (FeCl3) is used in the treatment of sewage systems. It is also used as colorant, for textiles and paints, and animal feed additives.
• Iron (II) sulfate supplements is used to cure anemia. 
• Ignited Iron oxide mixed with aluminum powder is used in welding and purifying ores. 
• Wrought Iron is more resistant towards rust formation. Besides, it can be molded very easily. For this unique property, wrought Iron is widely used for making household things such as fencing, arbors, and furniture.
• Cast Iron has uniform heating property. It is used for manufacturing long lasting kitchen utensils. Different cookware such as dutch ovens, cake pans, cornbread trays are generally made from cast iron. 
• Metallic Iron is used for making permanent and electro-magnets. 
• Iron is a key component in pigments, paints, and dyes. 
• Iron arsenate is incorporated in insecticides commercially used for agricultural purpose. 
• Many water purification systems use Iron hydroxide.

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