Manganese is a grey-white, hard and very brittle metal. It oxidises superficially in air, rusts in moist air, and burns in air or oxygen at elevated temperatures.
Manganese is a versatile metal used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Its primary role is as an alloying agent to improve the properties of other metals, particularly steel. Below are the key products manufactured with manganese:
1. Steel and iron alloys
- Steel production:
Manganese is essential in steel manufacturing, where it acts as a deoxidizing and desulfurizing agent. It improves the hardness, strength, and wear resistance of steel. - High-manganese steel:
Known for its high impact resistance, this steel is used in railway tracks, heavy machinery, and mining equipment. - Cast Iron:
Manganese is used to improve the toughness and durability of cast iron products, such as pipes and automotive components.
2. Aluminium alloys
- Manganese is added to aluminium to increase its strength and resistance to corrosion. Aluminium-manganese alloys are commonly used in beverage cans, cooking utensils, and transportation applications like automotive and aerospace components.
3. Batteries
- Rechargeable batteries:
Manganese dioxide is a critical component in the cathodes of lithium-ion and alkaline batteries. These batteries are used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. - Primary batteries:
Zinc-carbon batteries often contain manganese dioxide as a depolarizer.
4. Chemicals and fertilizers
- Manganese sulphate:
Used in fertilizers as a micronutrient for plants, especially in soil deficient in manganese. - Animal feed additives:
Manganese compounds are included in feed for livestock to support bone development and enzyme function.
5. Glass and ceramics
- Manganese is used in glass manufacturing to remove impurities and to produce specific colours. It can be used to produce pink or purple hues in glass and ceramics.
6. Pigments and paints
- Manganese oxide is used in pigments for paints and dyes, providing colours ranging from pink to violet to black.
7. Electronics and electrical components
- Manganese is used in some electronic components, such as ferrites, which are magnetic materials used in transformers, inductors, and other electrical devices.
8. Coins
- Some countries use manganese in coin alloys to add strength and durability, as well as to resist tarnishing.
Overall, manganese’s ability to improve durability, strength, and resistance to wear makes it invaluable across various industries.