Metallurgy of Iron and Steel

Flashcards covering the properties of iron, the history of iron production, and the characteristics of cast and wrought iron based on metallurgy lecture notes.

What are the physical properties and atomic number of iron?

Iron is a lustrous and ductile, chrome-colored metal with the atomic number $26$.

What is the meaning of the term ferromagnetic in relation to iron?

It means the metal is magnetic and attracts other ferromagnetic metals.

How does iron function as an essential mineral within the human body?

Iron acts as a catalyst for the production of hemoglobin, which is a main component of red blood cells.

What medical condition results from a lack of iron in the diet?

Iron deficiency anemia.

What are some food sources rich in iron?

Beef, chicken, oysters, beans, lentils, fish, vegetables, bread and fortified cereals.

What is the definition of the metallurgical process known as smelting?

Smelting is the process of heating iron-bearing ore to extract the element and melt it.

How did the term "pig iron" originate?

Liquid iron was poured into molds called ingots or "sows"; these were broken into smaller pieces called "pigs."

How is wrought iron traditionally refined by a blacksmith?

A blacksmith heats small ingots at a forge and hammers them to crush voids and disperse impurities.

What is cast iron?

Cast iron is an iron or a ferrous alloy that has been heated until it liquefies and is then poured into a mould to solidify.

What are the primary alloying elements in cast iron and their typical percentages?

Carbon, ranging from $2.1 - 4\%$, and Silicon, ranging from $1 - 3\%$.

What is the purpose of adding silicon to cast iron?

Silicon improves the casting performance of the molten metal.

What is the primary difference in the production process of wrought iron compared to cast iron?

Cast iron is not worked with hammers and tools, whereas wrought iron contains evidence of rolling or hand working.

What are the characteristics and composition of wrought iron?

Wrought iron is soft, ductile, and fibrous; it usually contains less than $0.1$ percent carbon and $1$ or $2$ percent slag.

How is wrought iron produced in a puddling furnace?

It is made by smelting pig iron and oxidising it with iron oxide.