In metallurgy, the Bower–Barff process is a method of coating iron or steel with magnetic iron oxide, such as Fe2O4, in order to minimize atmospheric corrosion.
The articles to be treated are put into a closed retort and a current of superheated steam passed through for twenty minutes followed by a current of producer gas (carbon monoxide), to reduce any higher oxides that may have been formed.
References
edit- ebook of creative chemistry, page 273.