section_path: Production of metallic iron/Thermite process
section_name: Thermite process
paragraph_text: Thermite process
  
  Ignition of a mixture of aluminium powder and iron oxide yields metallic iron via the thermite reaction:
  
  Alternatively pig iron may be made into steel (with up to about 2% carbon) or wrought iron (commercially pure iron). Various processes have been used for this, including finery forges, puddling furnaces, Bessemer converters, open hearth furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and electric arc furnaces. In all cases, the objective is to oxidize some or all of the carbon, together with other impurities. On the other hand, other metals may be added to make alloy steels.