What is flux and its types

1.	What is flux and its types
Answer» \xa0Flux:\xa0 It is the substance added to molten metals to bond with impurities that can be readily removed.\xa0Types of flux:\xa0Fluxes are of two types, viz, acidic flux and basic flux.\xa0(a) Acidic flux:\xa0It is an acidic oxide (oxide of a non-metal) like SiO2, P2O5, B2O3\xa0(from borax). It is used to remove basic impurities like CaO, FeO, MgO etc. The acidic flux combines with a basic impurity to form a slag.(b) Basic flux:\xa0It is a basic oxide (i.e. oxide of a metal) like CaO (obtained from limestone, CaCO3), MgO (from magnesite. MgCO3), haematite (Fe2O3) etc. It is used to remove acidic impurities like SiO2, P2O5\xa0etc. The basic flux combines with an acidic impurity to form a slag.Thus, slag can be defined as a fusible mass, which is obtained when a flux reacts with an infusible, acidic or basic impurity present in the oxide ore.

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