Cast iron

Cast iron usually refers to grey cast iron, but can mean any of a group of iron-based alloys containing more than 2% carbon (alloys with less carbon are carbon steel by definition). It is made by remelting pig iron, often along with substantial quantities of scrap iron and scrap steel, and taking various steps to remove undesirable contaminants such as phosphorus and sulfur, which weaken the material. Carbon and silicon content are reduced to the desired levels, which may be anywhere from 2% to 3.5% for carbon and 1% to 3% for silicon depending on the application. Other elements are then added to the melt before the final form is produced by casting.

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The iron-carbon eutectic point lies at 1403 kelvins and 4.3 mass % carbon. Since cast iron has nearly this composition, its melting temperature of 1420 to 1470 K is about 300 K lower than the melting point of pure iron. Cast iron tends to be brittle, unless the name of the particular alloy suggests otherwise. The color of a fracture surface can be used to identify an alloy: carbide impurities allow cracks to pass straight through, resulting in a smooth, "white" surface, while graphite flakes deflect a passing crack and initiate countless new cracks as the material breaks, resulting in a rough surface that appears grey.

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Iron: Iron is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Fe (L.: Ferrum) and atomic number 26. Iron is a group 8 and period 4 metal. Iron is notable for being the final element produced by stellar nucleosynthesis, and thus the heaviest element which does not require a supernova or simil...

Carbon: :Alternative meaning: Carbon (API)...

Carbon steel: Carbon steel is a metal, a combination of two elements, iron and carbon, where other elements are present in quantities too small to affect the properties. With a low carbon content it has the same properties as iron, soft but easily formed. As carbon content rises the metal becomes harder and stron...

Cast iron related Images and Photos (experimental)

Cast Iron and Glass Industrial Pallet for the Champs-Elysees Main Facade c.1852	Cast Iron and Glass Industrial Pallet for the Champs-Elysees Cross-Section 1852	Iron Man	Cast Away
Iron Duke	Iron Gate	Iron Shiek	Iron Horse
Iron Man 2	Iron Maiden	Iron Monkey	Iron Flamingo