Editing Magnetic core (section)

==== Iron ====
Powdered iron is the cheapest material. It has higher core loss than the more advanced alloys, but this can be compensated for by making the core bigger; it is advantageous where cost is more important than mass and size. Saturation flux of about 1 to 1.5 tesla. Relatively high hysteresis and eddy current loss, operation limited to lower frequencies (approx. below 100&nbsp;kHz). Used in energy storage inductors, DC output chokes, differential mode chokes, triac regulator chokes, chokes for [[power factor]] correction, resonant inductors, and pulse and flyback transformers.<ref name="coilws"/>

The binder used is usually epoxy or other organic resin, susceptible to thermal aging. At higher temperatures, typically above 125&nbsp;°C, the binder degrades and the core magnetic properties may change. With more heat-resistant binders the cores can be used up to 200&nbsp;°C.<ref name="chalmers">{{cite web|author=Johan Kindmark, Fredrik Rosén |url=http://publications.lib.chalmers.se/records/fulltext/183920/183920.pdf |title=Powder Material for Inductor Cores, Evaluation of MPP, Sendust and High flux core characteristics |publisher=Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Electric Power Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology |location=Göteborg, Sweden |date=2013 |access-date=2017-06-05}}</ref>

Iron powder cores are most commonly available as toroids. Sometimes as E, EI, and rods or blocks, used primarily in high-power and high-current parts.

Carbonyl iron is significantly more expensive than hydrogen-reduced iron.