deoxidants

Deoxidants are substances that remove oxygen from a system or prevent its accumulation, typically by acting as reducing agents or oxygen scavengers. They are used to minimize oxidation-related damage in metals, glass, polymers, foods, and chemical solutions.

Metallurgical deoxidants: In steelmaking and other metals, small additions of elements such as aluminum, silicon, calcium, magnesium, and titanium bind dissolved oxygen to form stable oxides. This reduces oxygen content, prevents oxide porosity, and improves mechanical properties. The choice of deoxidant depends on alloy chemistry and processing conditions; aluminum is common for killed steels, while calcium-silicon systems are used for control of reoxidation and sulfide inclusions in certain alloys.

Packaging and preservation: Oxygen scavengers are used in sealed packaging to lower residual oxygen and extend shelf life. Iron powder-based systems are the most widespread, oxidizing to iron oxide when exposed to moisture and air. Other scavengers rely on organic reducing agents or catalysts for specialized films and laminates.

Chemical deoxidants in solutions: In chemical processing and catalysis, reducing agents such as sulfites, bisulfites, or other organics remove dissolved oxygen from liquids, protecting sensitive reagents from oxidation.

Safety and regulatory considerations: Deoxidants can introduce impurities or corrosion products if misapplied, so materials, dosages, and packaging designs are chosen to suit specific applications and comply with relevant standards.