Raw materials of steel

The raw materials used in steel production typically include:

1. Iron Ore

The primary source of iron for steel production.

Commonly includes hematite (Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄).

2. Coal/Coke

Coal is converted into coke, a purified form of carbon, which acts as both a fuel and a reducing agent in the blast furnace.

3. Limestone

Used as a flux to remove impurities (like silica and phosphorus) from the iron ore during the smelting process.

Combines with impurities to form slag.

4. Scrap Steel (Recycled Material)

Often used in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) to produce steel.

Reduces the reliance on raw iron ore and minimizes environmental impact.

5. Other Additives

Manganese: Improves strength, toughness, and wear resistance.

Chromium: Adds corrosion resistance and hardness (used in stainless steel).

Nickel: Enhances corrosion resistance and toughness.

Silicon: Used as a deoxidizer.

Vanadium, Molybdenum, and Tungsten: Provide strength and wear resistance in specialized steel alloys.

These materials are processed in blast furnaces or electric arc furnaces, followed by refining to achieve the desired steel properties.