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Alloying of Steel and Iron
The alloying of steel and iron is a process that has gone on since ancient times. In the olden days, blacksmiths would forge raw iron into different shapes or tools to suit their needs. Alloys would be used to make the end products more durable and hard wearing. Today, steel and iron alloys are used in a variety of applications for a range of different reasons.
The alloying of steel and iron involves adding other elements to the raw material forms of the metals to enhance their strength and flexibility. Steel is inherently strong but has a tendency to become brittle, especially when subject to extreme temperatures. To increase the resilience of steel, other elements such as manganese, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, nickel and silicon may be added in small amounts to the steel composition. This increases its tensile strength, its ability to be formed into new shapes, and its fatigue strength. Iron alloys are amalgams of other elements that may include carbon, silicon and manganese for improved strength and hardness.
While alloying of steel and iron does increase their strength and actual yield point, it often comes at the cost of corrosion vulnerability. Alloyed steel and iron are vastly more prone to corrosion than pure forms of either metal. This is because when exposed to moisture the metals will tend to become more aggressive in their attempts to give up more electrons, resulting in a rapid oxidation process that causes rust and other damages. To reduce this tendency, additional elements such as zinc, chromium, molybdenum, cobalt and nickel may be added to the alloy. These elements form a layer of oxide on the exterior surface of the alloy that resists corrosive elements.
One of the most popular forms of steel alloying is the production of a form of alloy known as stainless steel. This alloying technique involves combining iron with chromium, nickel, molybdenum, copper and other elements. The resulting alloy is both highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, and it also has a high level of strength and malleability. This makes it ideal for use in food processing, medical instruments, cutlery, and other applications where highly durable metals are needed.
Iron and steel alloys have many uses, from bridges and buildings to engines and turbine blades. By understanding the various techniques used in the alloying of steel and iron, engineers and fabricators can determine the best method for creating alloyed steel and iron for use in a wide range of applications.
