Misch metals

Description

Misch metals is an alloy of rare earth Misch metals, with a typical composition of about 55% cerium, 2% lanthanum, 15–18% neodymium, and traces of other rare earth metals; it is 95% lanthanides 5% iron. It is most commonly use for in the pyrophoric flint found in many lighters and torches. However, an alloy of only earth metals is too soft to make good sparks. It is therefore mix with iron oxide and magnesium oxide, forming a harder cerium-iron alloy. Misch is common represent in chemical formulas as Mm, such as MmNi5.

Trace amounts of mix rare earth metals containing cerium and lanthanum are sometimes add to the galvanizing process of barbed wire to improve corrosion resistance and formability. [5] The wire mesh produced by this method contains zinc and 5-10% aluminum coating, as well as trace amounts of mix rare earth metals

Misshetal use for in the preparation of nearly all rare earth metals. these elements are chemically nearly identical, they cannot  distinguish ordinary extraction processes. Specialized processes (such as those developed by Wellsbach) exploit minute differences solubility to separate the mixed rare earths into their component elements, with each step only slightly changing its composition. Marie Curie later use for these processes in search for new elements.

The mischmetal improves the oxidation resistance of nickel-chromium alloys and the ductility of cast iron. It is also add to hightemperature alloys and stainless steels to improve their casting properties.