What is the role of flux in metallurgical processes?
Flux is a chemical cleaning agent.
The ores contain some gangue even after concentration. Certain substances are mixed with concentrated ore for the purpose of removing the gangue. They combine with the gangue to form a fusible material that is insoluble in molten metal. These substances are called fluxes. Some examples of materials used as flux: Limestone, silica, dolomite, lime, borax etc.
Fluxes are classified as acidic or basic based on the type of impurities they remove.