Industrial Uses of Inorganic Substances
Task 1
Iron from iron pyrites ore (FeS2)
Pyrite is a mineral brass-yellow, with a vivid metallic lustre. It has a chemical iron sulphide
composition (FeS2) and is the most common mineral sulphide. This forms at high and low
temperatures, and occurs in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks worldwide, typically in
limited amounts. It is also known as fool’s gold. Iron Pyrite consists of finely grained Pyrite crystal
splinters which increase the thermal conductivity, compressive strength and permeability of resin-
bonded grinding wheels and cut off wheels. Iron Pyrite increases the toughness and efficiency of
organic bonded abrasives by reducing contact zone or work piece temperature and cutting / grinding
board. Used as an active filler for hot and cold pressed grinding wheels, brake pads and brake linings,
and friction applications, iron pyrite helps improve thermal conduciveness. Iron Pyrite can also help
balance the amount of brake pad hardness and friction. Iron Pyrite can be used in organic bonded
abrasives by itself or in conjunction with other active fillers.
Chlorine from seawater
Rock salt deposits are typically mined; water is sometimes pumped down, and brine is brought to
the surface, containing around 25% sodium chloride. After evaporation of the brine, impurities first
isolate and can be extracted. Salt is produced in warm climates by the Sun's evaporation of shallow
seawater, which extracts salt from the bay. Any of a variety of different methods produces chlorine
on a wide scale: by electrolysis of a concentrated solution of sodium chloride in water. The cathode
contains hydrogen, and the anode contains chlorine. Around the same time, the electrolyte releases
sodium hydroxide; this process is also referred to as chlorine-alkali electrolysis. In climates such as
warm climates, the salt is gathered through evaporation of shallow sea water, this is done by the sun
and producing bay salt. Chlorine is mainly produced on large industrial scale by many methods, such
as electrolysis. The concentrated solution of sodium chloride within water and hydrogen is produced
at the cathode, whereas chlorine at the anode.
Task 2
Extraction of Aluminium
Bauxite is aluminium ore. To obtain aluminium oxide, bauxite is purified, a white powder from which
aluminium can be extracted. Electrolysis is used to remove them. The ions must be free to travel in
the aluminium oxide, so that electricity can pass through it. In Earth's crust aluminium is the most
abundant element. It is expensive due, in large portion, to the amount of electricity required in the
extraction process.
Extraction of Titanium
Titanium, rutile-TiO2 is extracted from its ore. This is first converted into chloride of titanium (IV),
then condensed to titanium using either magnesium or sodium. The ore rutile (impure titanium (IV)
oxide) is heated to a temperature of about 1000 ° C with chlorine and coke.
