Argon, one of the noble gases. It is colouress, tasteless, odourless and very inert. It has many uses.
- Argon is used in graphite electric furnaces to stop the graphite burning.
- Silicon and germanium crystals are grown in an argon atmosphere.
- Argon is used in the arc welding process.
- It is used by winemakers to top-off barrels, preventing the aerial oxidation of ethanol as the wine ages.
- It is used as a food additive (E938) to displace oxygen and moisture in food packaging.
- Important documents are often stored in cases filled with argon. This helps to preserve them.
- In the cryoablation process, argon in a liquid form is used to destroy cancer cells.
- Surgical blue argon lasers are used to weld arteries and correct defects of the eyes.
- Electric filament lights are filled with argon. This helps to protect the filaments when they reach high temperatures.
- Argon is used to produce green and blue laser lights.
- Energy efficient windows use argon as a thermal insulation. It fills the air-space between window panes.
- Some scuba diving dry suits are inflated with argon.
- It is used during the stainless steel manufacturing process.
