Silicon is added to steel primarily to act as a deoxidizer, removing impurities from the iron ore during smelting, and to enhance the mechanical properties of the steel by increasing its strength, hardness, and sometimes magnetic properties depending on the amount added; essentially improving the overall quality and soundness of the steel.
Key points about adding silicon to steel:
Deoxidation:
Silicon is a key deoxidizer, meaning it helps remove oxygen from the molten steel during the manufacturing process, leading to a cleaner and more sound product.
Strength and Hardness:
Adding silicon can increase the strength and hardness of steel, making it suitable for applications requiring higher mechanical performance.
Magnetic Properties:
In certain steel grades, silicon can also enhance magnetic properties, particularly when used in electrical applications like transformers due to its ability to increase electrical resistivity.
Controlled Addition:
The amount of silicon added to steel is carefully controlled depending on the desired final properties of the steel.
