Scientists find a greener way to make iron

https://knowridge.com/ ^ | April 14, 2025 | University of Oregon

[Jonty30]

To me, this is interesting because there is a pillar in Delphi that is made of iron and is basically almost rust-proof. One of the reasons it is rust proof is because it has chlorine mixed with the iron. it's been a puzzle for scientists on how the ancients mixed chlorine with iron.

This new technology may have solved how they did it.

[butlerweave]

What’s the catch ?

[ProtectOurFreedom]

“This process also makes chlorine, which is a useful byproduct.”

The global production of chlorine is 100 million tons. What happens when another 200 million tons hit the market?

[Fai Mao]

“The global production of chlorine is 100 million tons. What happens when another 200 million tons hit the market?”

The price of laundry bleach craters for one thing.

[antidemoncrat]

“This process also makes chlorine, which is a useful byproduct.

“Is chlorine biodegradable?”
“No, it is not biodegradable”

Are we trading a headache for an upset stomach?

[Bookshelf]

Finally, after more than a century of doing litte more than graduating expatriate California morons, the U. of Oregon has something to be proud of. Will wonders never cease?

[null and void]

What’s the catch ?

Electricity isn't free?

[Leaning Right]

> What’s the catch ? <

Unless I missed it, the article does not mention the energy needed to drive the electrochemical reactions. That energy could be minimal. Or it could be substantial.

[Twotone]

If you would like more information about what’s happening in Oregon, please FReepmail me. Please send me your name by FReepmail if you want to be on this list.

[Jonty30]

You can add me.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Unless I missed it, the article does not mention the energy needed to drive the electrochemical reactions. That energy could be minimal. Or it could be substantial.

The fact that the iron oxide bond strength is almost four times the elemental iron bond strength would indicate that it is substantial.

[frank ballenger]

a greener way to make iron

Investors want an ironclad may to make some green. 💰💰

[MikelTackNailer]

“...of slag in the morning. It smells like manifest destiny.”

[GingisK]

None of the elements are biodegradable.

[Cold Heart]

China also just announced a new way of making iron.
Exchange student from China?

[Jonty30]

Probably. China sends dozens of students to each university.

Hopefully they fall soon

[Theophilus]

I need a lot of it for our swimming pool! Price of Sodium Hypochlorite has doubles in 6 years.

[sasquatch]

Sounds a bit like thermite.

[Rowdyone]

CO2 has increased less than.01% since the Industrial Revolution yet the Greens still believe the sky is falling.

[Jonty30]

For me, the interest wasn’t about the environment but using salt water in the process which might infuse the iron with chlorine.