Final answer:
Pig iron is used as a raw material to produce different kinds of steel and to cast iron products. It is created through a blast furnace reduction process utilizing coke as a reducing agent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two things you can do with pig iron include using it as a raw material in the manufacture of various forms of steel and employing it in the casting of iron products. Pig iron is produced in a blast furnace through the reduction process using coke, which is formed by heating coal in an environment devoid of air to remove volatile components. The intense heat in such furnaces turns the carbon into carbon monoxide, which then reduces the iron oxides in the ore to metallic iron.
Subsequently, this metallic iron can undergo further refinement processes to reduce impurities, adjust carbon content, and add other elements. This results in various types of steel with distinct properties suitable for a multitude of applications. Additionally, pig iron can be melted and poured into molds to create cast iron products that are valued for their durability and hardness.
Pig iron is an intermediate product of the iron-making process. There are two main things that can be done with pig iron:
Steel production: Pig iron is the main raw material used in the production of steel. It is heated and further processed to remove impurities, such as carbon and other elements, to obtain steel.
Iron casting: Pig iron can also be used for casting iron objects. It has a high carbon content, making it suitable for casting processes where high hardness and brittleness are desired, such as in the manufacturing of engine blocks or pipes.