Iron Oxide Micron Powder (Fe₃O₄, 99.5+%, 1 µm)
Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: Fe₃O₄
- Purity: 99.5+% (high purity)
- Particle Size: 1 µm (microns)
- Appearance: Black to dark brown powder
- Density: Approximately 5.2 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1,585°C (2,887°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at high temperatures (does not have a definitive boiling point under normal pressure)
- Molecular Weight: 231.53 g/mol
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
- Crystal Structure: Cubic (spinel structure)
- Refractive Index: ~2.5
Applications:
- Magnetic Materials:
- Iron Oxide (Fe₃O₄), also known as magnetite, is a ferrimagnetic material, making it ideal for use in magnetic applications. It is widely used in the production of magnetic recording materials, such as magnetic tapes and hard disk drives for data storage.
- Fe₃O₄ is also used in the manufacture of permanent magnets and magnetic sensors due to its strong magnetic properties.
- Catalysts and Catalytic Supports:
- Fe₃O₄ is employed as a catalyst or catalyst support in a variety of chemical reactions. It is commonly used in processes like hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for converting carbon monoxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons.
- It is also applied in the synthesis of organic compounds and in refining petroleum by acting as a catalyst in cracking and reforming processes.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Iron Oxide (Fe₃O₄) is widely used in environmental applications, such as water purification and soil remediation. It is particularly effective in removing heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury from contaminated water due to its strong adsorptive properties.
- It can also be used to remove other pollutants, such as phosphates, nitrates, and organic contaminants from industrial effluents.
- Magnetic Fluid (Ferrofluid):
- Fe₃O₄ is used in the manufacture of ferrofluids, which are colloidal suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles in liquid. These fluids are used in applications such as dampers, seals, magnetic levitation, and vibration reduction systems.
- Ferrofluids are also used in cooling systems, loudspeakers, and medical diagnostics, where they can be manipulated using external magnetic fields.
- Electronics and Sensors:
- Iron Oxide Micron Powder is used in the development of magnetic sensors and electromagnetic devices. It is employed in data storage devices such as magnetic random access memory (MRAM), inductive sensors, and magnetic field sensors for various applications.
- It is also used in sensor applications for detecting changes in magnetic fields, which are useful in automotive sensors, security systems, and position sensing.
- Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications:
- Fe₃O₄ is used in the biomedical field for its unique magnetic properties. It is commonly used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a contrast agent, where it enhances the imaging of soft tissues and blood vessels.
- Additionally, iron oxide nanoparticles are being investigated for use in drug delivery systems where they can target specific areas of the body using external magnetic fields, enabling precise and controlled drug release.
- Pigments and Colorants:
- Iron Oxide (Fe₃O₄) is used as a black pigment in paints, coatings, and inks. Due to its high stability and non-toxicity, it is a preferred option in applications where environmental and safety concerns are critical.
- It is also used in cosmetics such as eyeshadows, nail polishes, and foundations for pigmentation purposes.
- Battery and Energy Storage:
- Fe₃O₄ is explored as a material in batteries and supercapacitors due to its ability to store and release energy. It has shown promise in improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.
- It is also used in electrode materials in supercapacitors to enhance the energy storage capacity and charge/discharge cycles.
- Water and Waste Treatment:
- Fe₃O₄ is applied in the treatment of wastewater and drinking water purification. It can be used to remove contaminants such as dissolved iron, phosphates, and toxins by adsorption, making water safer for consumption and improving water quality.
- It also finds use in sludge treatment for removing heavy metal ions and other pollutants in industrial waste.
- High-Temperature Insulation:
- Fe₃O₄ is used in high-temperature insulation applications, such as in the construction of furnaces and high-temperature reactors. It provides a heat-resistant material to protect sensitive components from extreme heat.
- It is also used in the production of refractories, particularly those exposed to high thermal stress in industries such as steel manufacturing.
- Soil and Agriculture:
- Iron Oxide is sometimes used in agriculture to improve soil fertility and nutrient availability. It can aid in the breakdown of certain compounds in soil and enhance the uptake of essential nutrients by plants.
- Paint and Coatings:
- Fe₃O₄ is used in anti-corrosion coatings for steel, cast iron, and other metal surfaces. It serves as a protective layer to prevent rusting and extends the lifespan of metal products, particularly in the marine and construction industries.
Iron Oxide Micron Powder (Fe₃O₄, 99.5+%, 1 µm) is a versatile and highly effective material used in a wide variety of industries ranging from electronics and environmental remediation to biomedical applications and energy storage. Its unique properties, such as its strong magnetic behavior, catalytic activity, and stability, make it an essential component in numerous technological innovations.
