Carbonyl Iron Powder (CIP) is a highly pure and versatile material that has found a place in industries ranging from electronics and automotive to medicine and metallurgy. Its unique properties, such as excellent purity, fine particle size, and magnetic characteristics, make it an indispensable material for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re manufacturing soft magnetic components, magnetic inks, or dietary supplements, carbonyl iron powder is a game-changing material you need to explore.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into Carbonyl Iron Powder, covering its composition, properties, applications, specifications, pricing, and much more. We’ll also explore its advantages and limitations, compare it to alternative materials, and answer common questions to help you understand why it’s a preferred choice across industries.
Overview
What is Carbonyl Iron Powder?
At its core, Carbonyl Iron Powder is a highly pure form of iron, typically produced by the thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)₅). This process results in ultra-fine, spherical iron particles with excellent purity and uniformity. The powder is characterized by its small particle size (sub-micron to a few microns), high surface area, and soft magnetic properties, making it a versatile material for industrial and scientific applications.
Think of it as the “Swiss Army knife” of metallic powders: lightweight, magnetic, and easy to adapt for various needs. Whether you’re creating electromagnetic shielding for your latest gadget or fortifying your dietary supplement with iron, carbonyl iron powder delivers.
Key Features
Why is Carbonyl Iron Powder so popular? Here are its standout features:
- High Purity: Contains over 97% pure iron, with minimal impurities.
- Fine Particle Size: Offers particle sizes as small as 1 micron, ensuring smooth processing.
- Soft Magnetic Properties: Ideal for electromagnetic shielding, transformers, and inductors.
- Spherical Shape: Uniform particles enhance packing density and flowability.
- Versatility: Suitable for applications in electronics, metallurgy, medicine, and more.
Composition and Properties
Let’s take a closer look at the chemical composition and physical properties that make Carbonyl Iron Powder so unique.
Chemical Composition
| Component | Typical Percentage (%) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | ≥ 97% | Base material, provides magnetic properties. |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.5% | Residual carbon from the decomposition process. |
| Oxygen (O) | ≤ 0.1% | Traces from oxidation during processing. |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.05% | Minimal impurity. |
Physical and Magnetic Properties
| Property | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Size | 1–10 µm | Fine particles enable high packing density and smooth dispersion. |
| Density | ~7.86 g/cm³ | Dense, high-performance material. |
| Melting Point | ~1,538°C | High-temperature resistance for demanding applications. |
| Magnetic Permeability | High | Excellent for electromagnetic shielding and soft magnetic materials. |
| Surface Area | 0.5–2.0 m²/g | High surface area enhances reactivity in chemical and catalytic uses. |
| Flowability | Excellent due to spherical shape | Smooth processing in manufacturing and additive applications. |
The combination of magnetic properties, small particle size, and high purity makes Carbonyl Iron Powder a standout material for industries requiring precision and performance.
Applications
Thanks to its versatility, Carbonyl Iron Powder is used across a wide range of industries. Let’s explore some of its most common applications.
Key Applications
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Electronics | Electromagnetic shielding, inductors, and transformers. |
| Automotive | Soft magnetic components, fuel injection systems, and brake pads. |
| Medicine | Iron supplements for treating anemia and fortifying foods. |
| Metallurgy | Powder metallurgy for precision parts and high-performance alloys. |
| 3D Printing | Additive manufacturing of lightweight, high-strength components. |
| Chemical Industry | Catalysts and chemical reactions requiring high-purity iron. |
For instance, in electronics, Carbonyl Iron Powder is used to create electromagnetic shielding materials that block unwanted radiation in smartphones, laptops, and other devices. Meanwhile, in medicine, its bioavailability makes it an excellent source of dietary iron for treating iron deficiency.
Specifications, Sizes, and Standards
Choosing the correct specifications for Carbonyl Iron Powder is essential to ensure optimal performance in your application. Here’s a breakdown of the typical sizes, grades, and standards.
Specifications of Carbonyl Iron Powder
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Particle Size | 1–10 µm (available in custom sizes). |
| Purity | ≥97% |
| Shape | Spherical |
| Grades | CIP-S (Standard), CIP-H (High Purity), CIP-F (Fine Particle). |
| Standards | ASTM E1941 (Iron Powders), ISO 9001 (Quality Certification). |
The spherical shape and small particle size ensure smooth processing, making it suitable for precision applications like additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy.
Pricing and Suppliers of Carbonyl Iron Powder
The cost of Carbonyl Iron Powder varies depending on factors like purity, particle size, and order quantity. Below is a summary of popular suppliers and price ranges.
Suppliers and Pricing Details
| Supplier | Price Range (Per Kg) | Location | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASF | $50–$150 | Global | Custom grades and technical support. |
| Sintez-CIP | $30–$100 | Russia | Competitive pricing for bulk orders. |
| JFE Steel Corporation | $40–$120 | Japan | High-quality powders for industrial use. |
| CNPC Powder Group | $20–$80 | China | Large-scale production and global shipping. |
Prices typically fluctuate based on bulk purchase discounts, custom specifications, and shipping costs.
Advantages and Limitations of Carbonyl Iron Powder
Like any material, Carbonyl Iron Powder has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s compare its advantages and limitations.
Advantages and Limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| High purity ensures consistent performance in critical applications. | Higher cost compared to conventional iron powders. |
| Fine particle size enables precision manufacturing. | Requires specialized handling to avoid oxidation. |
| Excellent magnetic properties for electromagnetic shielding. | Limited availability for ultra-high-purity grades. |
| Versatile across industries from electronics to medicine. | May require post-processing for specific applications. |
For most users, the advantages far outweigh the limitations, especially in high-performance applications where purity and precision are non-negotiable.
FAQs About Carbonyl Iron Powder
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Carbonyl Iron Powder used for? | Electronics, medicine, automotive, metallurgy, and chemical industries. |
| How is Carbonyl Iron Powder produced? | By thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)₅). |
| What makes it different from regular iron powder? | Higher purity, finer particle size, and superior magnetic properties. |
| Is it safe for use in dietary supplements? | Yes, it’s widely used as a bioavailable source of dietary iron. |
| What is the price range? | Prices range from $20 to $150 per kilogram, depending on specifications. |
Conclusion
Carbonyl Iron Powder is a versatile, high-performance material that plays a critical role in industries ranging from electronics to medicine. Its exceptional purity, magnetic properties, and fine particle size make it a go-to choice for manufacturers and researchers alike.
Whether you’re creating electromagnetic shielding, producing dietary supplements, or exploring additive manufacturing, Carbonyl Iron Powder offers unmatched performance and reliability. Ready to take your projects to the next level? Explore the possibilities with Carbonyl Iron Powder today!