Manganese is used in steelmaking and aluminum alloys, as well as in industrial chemistry and as a pigment. It is also important for the proper functioning of enzymes in the human body and is included in mineral supplements in small doses.
Manganese is used in many industrial metallurgical processes. It is of particular importance in creating alloys of steel and aluminum, but the uses of manganese extend to other industrial areas outside of metallurgy. Manganese is also important in nutrition. The human body does not require much of this element, but several biological uses of manganese are essential for the body to function properly and it is often included in small doses in mineral supplements.
The most significant of all industrial uses of manganese is steelmaking which uses more than 85% of all manganese mined. Manganese can be used in several alloying processes to improve the life of steel. The mineral is especially useful for increasing the resistance of steel to oxidation, so manganese is often used to make stainless steel. Adding manganese to steel can also improve the overall strength and machinability of the material. Hadfield Steel is an example of a blend of steel and manganese and is known for both of these properties.
Other metals can also be alloyed with manganese. Aluminum and manganese alloys are quite common. Manganese strengthens aluminum’s resistance to corrosion and alloys containing about 1% manganese are commonly used. Aluminum cans familiar to most drink consumers are made from just such an alloy.
Industrial chemistry also uses manganese. The common uses of manganese in this field revolve around its usefulness as a pigment. Earth tone pigments often contain manganese. It can be used to produce similar shades when added to bricks.
Disposable alkaline batteries often use manganese. Manganese is the cathode in these batteries. Other minerals can be used for this purpose, but the cost and chemical properties of manganese make it a popular choice.
There are a number of biological and biochemical uses of manganese. The vast majority of organisms use manganese only in trace amounts in biological processes. The human body is no exception to this rule.
Manganese appears to be particularly important for the proper functioning of enzymes. These enzymes have a variety of different functions. Some help repair damage to the body. Others are antioxidants. Additional enzymes use manganese to help develop strong, healthy bones.
Given the number of uses for manganese within the human body, it is often included in mineral supplements. Small supplemental doses of manganese are beneficial or harmless. The body isn’t equipped to process large amounts of this mineral, however, and in larger doses manganese can be toxic.
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