Introduction
Iron alloys, also known as ferroalloys, are a group of materials made by combining two or more elements – primarily iron and one or more other elements, such as carbon, manganese, chromium, nickel, aluminium or silicon – in order to make a material with specific characteristics or properties. Iron alloys are among the most widely used and versatile materials in the world, used in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, construction, machine-parts manufacture, energy production and many others. They are strong and durable, easy to melt and handle, relatively inexpensive and have a wide range of applications.
Classification
Iron alloys can be divided into two broad categories: ferrous alloys and nonferrous alloys. Ferrous alloys contain at least one element of iron and are usually further divided into two groups: plain carbon steel, which contains only iron and carbon; and stainless steel, which contains iron and other elements such as nickel, chromium, manganese and silicon. Nonferrous alloys are made up of elements other than iron, such as copper, zinc, lead and aluminum.
Iron alloys also can be classified according to their metallurgical structure into two types: cast iron, which is relatively brittle because of its graphite content; and wrought iron, which is ductile and stronger because its carbon content is lower. Finally, iron alloys can be classified according to the specific application for which they are used, such as: tool steels for cutting tools, wear-resistant alloys for tools exposed to wear and corrosion, and maraging alloys for aircraft components.
Properties
The properties of iron alloys depend on the composition of the material and the way that the alloy is treated. Alloying elements, such as carbon, silicon, chromium and nickel, interact with iron in different ways, leading to distinct properties for each alloy. Common properties of iron alloys include good strength and stiffness, resistance to corrosion, ease of fabrication and machinability, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.
Uses
Iron alloys are widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, machine-parts manufacture, energy production and many others. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including the manufacture of nuts and bolts, bearings, gears, framework, automobile bodies, and components of airplanes, ships and bridges.
Conclusion
Iron alloys are among the most widely used and versatile materials in the world. Used in a variety of industries, they are strong and durable, easy to melt and handle, relatively inexpensive and have a wide range of applications. Iron alloys are classified according to their metallurgical structure and elements. They possess a number of desirable properties, such as good strength and stiffness, resistance to corrosion, ease of fabrication and machinability, and good electrical and thermal conductivity. Iron alloys are used in a wide variety of applications, including the manufacture of nuts and bolts, bearings, gears, framework, automobile bodies, and components of airplanes, ships and bridges.
