Iron is one of the most abundant metals on Earth, and it is used for a wide range of applications. It is a soft metal that has excellent malleability and strength, as well as being affordable and easily recyclable.
It is a very strong conductor of heat and electricity, so it is commonly used to make products that need to be durable or sturdy. It can also be magnetised, meaning that it is very easy to work with and shape.
There are a few different types of iron alloys that you can choose from, and each type has its own unique properties. For example, stainless steel is very corrosion-resistant and is perfect for food storage and use outdoors.
Another popular choice is mild steel, which is a soft metal that is very durable and has excellent corrosion resistance. It is also highly popular for making tools and axes, as well as being very affordable and recyclable.
The oxidation of iron can also be controlled with electrolysis, and this method has the potential to become an important resource for future iron production. This process works by converting the iron oxides found in iron minerals into a solid form, ready for further processing.
Another way to produce iron is by using a technique called molten salt electrolysis, which produces a solid liquid metal product that can then be processed into different types of steel. This technique has the potential to replace expensive smelting processes, reducing costs and carbon footprint.