Iron And Steel

Iron and Steel Iron from the blast furnace is a mix of about 96% iron with the remaining 4% carbon and some other impurities. It is hard, but too brittle for most uses. So, most iron from the blast furnace is converted into steel by removing some of the carbon. Steel Carbon is removed by blowing air into the molten metal in a steel furnace. Oxygen reacts with the carbon producing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These escape from the molten metal as gas. Enough oxygen is used to achieve steel with the desired carbon content. Other metals are often added, such as vanadium and chromium. There are many different types of steel, depending on the other elements mixed with the iron. The table summarises the properties of some different steels. Type of steel

Composition

Properties

Low carbon steel (mild steel)

99.8% Iron 0.2% Carbon

Easily shaped

High-carbon steel

98% Iron 1.7% Carbon 0.3% Manganese

Hard but brittle

Stainless steel

73.7 % Iron 0.3% Carbon 18.0% Chromium 8.0% Nickel

Hard and resistant to corrosion

Answer the following questions in your book using full sentences; 1. 2. 3. 4.

What is the main problem with iron from a blast furnace? How is iron converted into steel? What two gasses are produced when iron is converted to steel? Name three metals that can be added to iron to form different steels? 5. What type of steel would you use to make (give reasons): a. A Hammer b. Cutlery c. Wrist watch d. An electrical wire e. Scissors f. Saucepan g. A cars body