Manganese has the atomic number 25 and is represented by the symbol Mn on the Periodic Table.
It is commonly used in pigments, batteries and steelmaking.
Manganese has Sulfur fixing, deoxidising and alloying properties in steel making.
Small amounts increase the workability of steel at high temperatures. At approximately 4% content, embrittlement becomes a problem; at approximately 8% this decreases to an acceptable level.
Steel containing between 8 and 15% Manganese is usually cold hardened.
Precautions:
Exposure to Manganese dust and fumes has been linked to impaired motor skills and cognitive disorders. Children are especially susceptible to these.
Studies have also shown detrimental effect on the liver and kidneys, sometimes fatal.
