Iron Oxide Micron Powder (Fe₂O₃, Gamma, 99.9+%, 1 µm)
Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: Fe₂O₃
- Purity: 99.9+% (high purity)
- Particle Size: 1 µm (microns)
- Appearance: Red to reddish-brown powder
- Density: Approximately 5.2 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1,565°C (2,849°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at high temperatures (does not have a definitive boiling point under normal pressure)
- Molecular Weight: 159.7 g/mol
- Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
- Crystal Structure: Gamma-phase (γ-Fe₂O₃), a metastable form of iron oxide with a spinel structure
- Refractive Index: ~2.9
Applications:
- Magnetic Materials:
- Iron Oxide (Gamma-phase) is used in the production of magnetic materials, particularly in data storage devices, such as magnetic tapes, hard disk drives (HDDs), and magnetic recording media. It has excellent magnetic properties, making it ideal for high-density storage.
- Gamma-Fe₂O₃ is also used in permanent magnets and magnetic coatings due to its high coercivity and stability.
- Catalysts in Chemical Reactions:
- Gamma Iron Oxide is used as a catalyst or catalyst support in several chemical reactions. It is commonly involved in oxidation reactions and is utilized in the synthesis of fine chemicals.
- It is used in dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogenation, and reforming processes in the petroleum industry.
- Pigments in Paints and Coatings:
- Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃) is a key component in pigments for the paint and coatings industry, offering vibrant red hues. The gamma-phase form is used in applications where color stability and durability are essential.
- It is commonly found in industrial coatings, construction paints, decorative coatings, and rust-resistant paints due to its weatherability and non-toxicity.
- Polymer Composites:
- Iron Oxide Micron Powder is used in polymer composites to improve mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness, and abrasion resistance. It is employed in thermoplastic and thermoset resins, improving the durability of products such as automotive parts, electronic enclosures, and construction materials.
- Magnetic Fluids (Ferrofluids):
- Gamma Iron Oxide is used in the production of ferrofluids, which are colloidal liquids containing magnetic nanoparticles. These fluids are used in a variety of applications, such as seals, dampers, coolants, and drug delivery systems.
- Ferrofluids are often found in loudspeakers, rotary seals, heating and cooling systems, and in medical diagnostics.
- Medical Applications:
- Iron Oxide nanoparticles, particularly the gamma-phase, are used in biomedical applications, including as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. They enhance the imaging of tissues and organs by altering the magnetic properties of the surrounding environment.
- Iron Oxide is also employed in drug delivery systems, where it can be used to target specific sites in the body through external magnetic fields.
- Water Treatment:
- Iron Oxide is used in water treatment processes, particularly in adsorption of heavy metals and phosphate removal from wastewater. It is effective in removing pollutants and purifying water.
- It is also used in soil remediation to remove contaminants like arsenic and other toxic metals from the environment.
- Electrochemical Applications:
- Gamma Iron Oxide is utilized in the development of supercapacitors and batteries. It serves as an electrode material for energy storage devices due to its high surface area and good conductivity.
- It is also employed in the development of battery electrodes in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries to improve energy storage capacity and charge/discharge efficiency.
- Hydrogen Production:
- Iron Oxide is used in the production of hydrogen through a process known as the iron oxide-based water splitting reaction. In this process, iron oxide is reduced by hydrogen at high temperatures to produce hydrogen gas and iron.
- Electronics:
- Iron Oxide Micron Powder is used in the electronics industry for capacitors and other electronic components where the material’s ability to provide electrical insulation and high dielectric strength is beneficial.
- Ceramics:
- Gamma Iron Oxide is used in the production of ceramic materials, providing color and enhanced mechanical properties. It is used in the creation of frits, glazes, and porcelain, where it contributes to color stability and heat resistance.
- Environmental Sensors:
- Gamma Iron Oxide is used in environmental sensors, such as gas sensors and humidity sensors, due to its ability to undergo changes in magnetic properties when exposed to external stimuli. This makes it a valuable material for monitoring air quality and detecting gases.
Iron Oxide Micron Powder (Fe₂O₃, Gamma, 99.9+, 1 µm) is a versatile material with numerous applications across industries including electronics, catalysis, pigments, medical technologies, and energy storage. Its high purity and unique properties such as magnetic behavior, chemical reactivity, and color stability make it an essential component in advanced technological processes and products.
