What is the Difference Between Iron and Steel?
Iron and steel hold significant places in metallurgy. While these two materials are related, they differ in their structural and chemical properties. Iron is a naturally occurring element, often found in ore deposits in the form of oxides. Steel, on the other hand, is an alloy primarily composed of iron, combined with carbon and sometimes other elements. This combination makes steel stronger and harder than iron. There are also noticeable differences between the two in terms of melting points, hardness, and areas of application.
Which is Stronger: Iron or Steel?
When comparing strength and durability, there are clear distinctions between iron and steel. Pure iron is relatively soft and, in its natural form, is not ideal in terms of strength and hardness. Steel’s main component is iron, but the amount of carbon added significantly impacts the mechanical properties of steel. Carbon increases the hardness and strength of steel. Therefore, steel can have varying degrees of hardness and durability depending on its carbon content. Moreover, the addition of other alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum) modifies the properties of steel, making it more suitable for specific applications.
In general, steel, with the contribution of carbon and other alloying elements, is harder and more durable than iron. These characteristics make steel a more widely used material and the preferred choice in many applications compared to iron.