Abstract: In accordance with the invention, homogeneous bulk mixtures of about one weight part magnesium metal particles per 12 to 20 weight parts iron constituent particles are formed. The bulk mixtures are transportation and storage stable so that portions thereof may be randomly withdrawn to predictably and consistently inoculate molten iron in the mold to produce nodular iron castings. Substantially all the particles are about the same size and in the size range of from about 0.15 to 5.0 mm. The size characterization values of the magnesium and iron diluent particles are each in the range of from about 1 to 2.3, the size characterization value herein being defined as the ratio of the screen opening in millimeters retaining ten weight percent of a sample and the screen opening in millimeters retaining 90 weight percent of the same sample.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, a low-sulfur, low-ash, graphitic carbon, which is useful in metallurgical and electrical applications, is formed. The first step is dissolving coke or coal in an iron melt containing about 4% silicon, then lowering the temperature of the melt to near the iron-carbon eutectic melting temperature, thereby causing a purified carbon-iron mixture to precipitate and float to the surface. This mixture may be directly used as a metallurgical carbon raiser to control the carbon content of iron melts. The purified carbon may also be separated from the iron by magnetic and/or flotation techniques; further refinement of the graphite may be accomplished by treatment with mineral acids.