Deoxidization

Deoxidization, also called deoxidation, is the process of removing oxygen from a material, compound, or environment. In chemistry, it often refers to a reductive change in which oxides are converted to substances with lower oxygen content. In metallurgy, deoxidization removes oxygen from molten metal to prevent oxide inclusions and surface oxidation.

Common deoxidants include silicon, aluminum, calcium, titanium, manganese, and sometimes magnesium or rare-earth elements. They are used alone or in alloys (for example, calcium-silicon or aluminum-kiln mixtures) to react with dissolved oxygen and form stable oxides that either float to the surface or become part of slag. Other methods include vacuum degassing and inert-gas purging (such as argon) to physically remove oxygen. Hydrogen can act as a reducing agent in some high-temperature systems.

Applications of deoxidization are widespread. In steelmaking and metal processing, controlling oxygen content improves cleanliness, mechanical properties, and porosity. In gas purification, deoxidizers remove oxygen from process gases to prevent corrosion or unwanted reactions. In packaging and preservation, deoxidation reduces oxygen levels to slow oxidation and spoilage of sensitive contents. The term may be used broadly or specifically, depending on the material and process, but siempre centers on lowering or eliminating oxygen through chemical reduction, physical removal, or a combination of both.