Steel and Aluminium

Contents

Recall the following terms related to Forms of Iron: i. Pig Iron, ii. Cast Iron, iii. Wrought Iron

It refers to the ability to recall different forms of iron and the related terms associated with each one. Specifically, it covers the following three forms of iron:

i. Pig Iron: Pig iron is a type of iron that is produced by smelting iron ore in a blast furnace. It is a raw form of iron that still contains high levels of impurities such as carbon, silicon, and phosphorus. Pig iron is not typically used as a final product, but is instead further refined to create other forms of iron.

ii. Cast Iron: Cast iron is a type of iron that is produced by pouring molten pig iron into molds. It is a brittle and hard material that is suitable for casting into a wide variety of shapes. Cast iron is often used for the production of pipes, cookware, and other types of heavy machinery. It is also used for ornamental features like fence, bench, and lamp posts.

iii. Wrought Iron: Wrought iron is a type of iron that is produced by heating pig iron and hammering it into shape. It is a strong, tough and ductile material that is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. Wrought iron is often used for architectural elements like balusters, fences, gates and also other decorative items like candle holders and wall decor.

In summary, different forms of iron are produced by different processes. Pig iron is a raw form of iron that is produced by smelting iron ore. Cast iron is produced by pouring molten pig iron into molds and is commonly used for heavy machinery and architectural elements. Wrought iron is produced by heating pig iron and hammering it into shape and is commonly used for architectural and decorative items.

Recall the following types of Steel: i. Low carbon steel, ii. Medium carbon steel, iii. High carbon steel

It refers to the ability to recall different types of steel. Specifically, it covers the following three types:

i. Low Carbon Steel: Low carbon steel is a type of steel that has a low carbon content, typically less than 0.3%. It is a soft and ductile material that is easy to shape and form. Low carbon steel is commonly used in the production of wire, sheet metal, and other products that require high levels of flexibility and ductility. It is also used for the production of certain types of machinery and equipment, as well as for the construction of certain types of buildings.

ii. Medium Carbon Steel: Medium carbon steel is a type of steel that has a medium carbon content, typically between 0.3% and 0.6%. It is a harder and stronger material than low carbon steel, but it is still relatively ductile. Medium carbon steel is commonly used for the production of machinery and equipment, as well as for the construction of certain types of buildings.

iii. High Carbon Steel: High carbon steel is a type of steel that has a high carbon content, typically greater than 0.6%. It is a hard and brittle material that is difficult to shape and form. High carbon steel is commonly used for the production of knives, tools, and other products that require high levels of hardness and strength. It is also used for certain types of machinery and equipment and in certain construction projects where a high strength and hardness is needed.

In summary, different types of steel are classified based on their carbon content. Low carbon steel has a low carbon content, typically less than 0.3%, and is soft and ductile. Medium carbon steel has a medium carbon content, typically between 0.3% and 0.6%, and is harder and stronger than low carbon steel, but still relatively ductile. High carbon steel has a high carbon content, typically greater than 0.6%, and is a hard and brittle material. Each type of steel is used for different applications, depending on the properties that are desired, such as strength, hardness, ductility.

Recall the following Alloy of Steel: i. Stainless steel, ii. Invar steel, iii. Manganese steel

It is a learning outcome that requires students to recall specific types of alloy steel. Here is an explanation of each of the three types of steel mentioned in the outcome:

  1. Stainless steel is a type of steel that is known for its corrosion resistance. It is made by adding chromium to steel, which forms a thin layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel. This layer acts as a barrier that prevents the steel from rusting. Stainless steel also contains other elements such as nickel and molybdenum, which can improve its strength and toughness. There are many different types of stainless steel, such as 304 and 316 stainless, which are used in a wide range of applications, including construction, medical equipment, and cutlery.
  2. Invar steel is a type of steel that has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that it does not change shape or size when exposed to changes in temperature. It is made by adding nickel to steel and is often used in precision equipment, such as clocks and scientific instruments.
  3. Manganese steel is a type of steel that is known for its extreme toughness and ductility. It is made by adding manganese to steel. Because of its strength and durability, manganese steel is commonly used in high-impact applications, such as mining and construction equipment.

Alloys are a mixture of two or more metallic elements of which at least one is steel (Iron). Each of the alloys have specific properties that are relevant to different applications , Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, Invar steel is known for low thermal expansion and Manganese steel is known for its extreme toughness and ductility.

Recall the following Defects in Steel: i. Cavity Holes, ii. Segregation, iii. Cold shortness, iv. Red shortness

It is a learning outcome that requires students to recall specific types of defects that can occur in steel. Here is an explanation of each of the four defects mentioned in the outcome:

  1. Cavity Holes: Cavity holes are defects that occur in steel as a result of gas bubbles getting trapped in the steel during the casting process. These bubbles can cause holes or voids in the steel, which can weaken the structural integrity of the steel and make it more prone to breaking or cracking.
  2. Segregation: Segregation is a defect that occurs in steel when the composition of the steel is not uniform throughout the material. This can happen when different elements of the steel settle into different parts of the material during the casting process. Segregation can cause weak spots in the steel, making it more prone to breaking or cracking.
  3. Cold Shortness: Cold shortness is a defect that occurs in steel when the steel is too brittle and has a low ductility. This happens when the steel contains too much sulfur, which can make the steel brittle at low temperatures. Cold short steel is more prone to cracking or breaking when it is cold or when it is subjected to impact or other types of stress.
  4. Red Shortness: Red shortness is a defect that occurs in steel when the steel is too brittle and has a low ductility. This happens when the steel contains too much phosphorus, which can make the steel brittle at high temperatures. Red short steel is more prone to cracking or breaking when it is heated up, or when it is subjected to impact or other types of stress.
  5. All of the above defects can occur during the manufacturing process and affect the quality of steel. It’s important for manufacturers to have proper quality control measures to detect and prevent these defects, otherwise the steel parts will not be able to perform the way it is intended to, this can lead to failure of structure or any other equipment using such steel parts.

Recall the Manufacturing of Aluminium

The manufacturing of aluminum involves a series of complex processes that are used to extract the metal from its raw form and turn it into a usable product. The first step in the manufacturing process is mining the bauxite ore. Bauxite is the primary source of aluminum and is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. The ore is mined using large excavating machines and is then transported to a processing plant.

Once at the processing plant, the bauxite is crushed and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with a caustic soda solution, which causes the aluminum oxide in the bauxite to dissolve. This solution, known as “alumina liquor,” is then filtered to remove any impurities.

The next step is the smelting process. The alumina liquor is heated to a high temperature, typically around 950-1000 degrees Celsius, in a large furnace called a “reduction pot.” In the reduction pot, a reducing agent, such as coke or another hydrocarbon, is added to the alumina liquor. The reducing agent reacts with the alumina to form aluminum and carbon dioxide. This process is called “reduction.” The aluminum is then captured in the form of molten metal, while the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.

After the smelting, the molten aluminum is casted into ingots, where they cooled down and solidified. These ingots are then transported to a rolling mill or extrusion press, where they are heated to a temperature of around 500 degrees Celsius and rolled or extruded into a desired shape. It will be further cooled and solidified again.

Finally, the aluminum is finished and cleaned to ensure that it meets the desired specifications. It may be subjected to a variety of finishing processes such as anodizing, painting, or coating. The finished aluminum can then be used in a wide variety of products, including cars, aeroplanes, construction materials, and consumer goods.

It is worth mentioning that these steps are a simplified version of how aluminum is made, there are many more details and processes such as quality checking, recycling of byproducts, and optimization of energy efficiency that should be taken into account.

Recall the Properties of Aluminium

Aluminum, also known as aluminium, is a metal that has a number of unique properties that make it useful in a wide variety of applications. These properties include:

  1. Low Density: Aluminum has a relatively low density compared to other metals, which makes it ideal for use in products that need to be lightweight, such as aeroplanes, cars, and consumer goods.
  2. High Conductivity: Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, which makes it useful for electrical wiring and in electronic devices.
  3. High Reflectivity: Aluminum has a high reflectivity, which makes it useful for reflective surfaces such as mirrors and in lighting fixtures.
  4. High Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, which makes it useful for products that will be exposed to the elements, such as car and aeroplane parts, as well as construction materials.
  5. Low Melting Point: Aluminum has a low melting point (about 660 °C) which allows the metal to be casted and extruded in a relatively easy way.
  6. Low Thermal Expansion: Aluminum has a low coefficient of thermal expansion which means that it does not expand or contract much as the temperature changes. This property makes it suitable for use in precision machinery and equipment.
  7. High Recyclability: Aluminum is 100% recyclable without any loss of its original properties, which makes it an environmentally friendly material.
  8. Durable: aluminum is a durable material which means it can withstand physical stress and wear over time and keep its shape and strength.
  9. Malleability: Aluminum is malleable, which means it can be easily shaped and formed into different products, such as cans, foil, and other consumer goods.

Aluminum alloys, also known as aluminum mixed with other metals, can have specific properties that can be tailored to specific application, such as strength, ductility, and resistance to heat and corrosion.

List various uses of Aluminium

Aluminum, also known as aluminium, is a versatile metal with a wide range of uses due to its unique properties such as low density, high conductivity, high reflectivity, high corrosion resistance, low melting point, low thermal expansion, high recyclability and durability, and malleability.

  1. Transportation: Aluminum is commonly used in the transportation industry, such as in cars, aeroplanes, trains and buses. Its low density and high strength make it ideal for use in vehicles, where weight reduction is important for fuel efficiency.
  2. Construction: Aluminum is also widely used in construction, particularly in the form of aluminum extrusions and aluminum composite panels. These materials are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making them well-suited for use in building facades, window frames, and other exterior building elements.
  3. Consumer Goods: Aluminum is also used extensively in consumer goods, such as packaging materials (such as cans and foil), household appliances, and electronics. Its corrosion resistance and ability to be easily shaped and formed make it a popular choice for these types of products.
  4. Electrical Wiring: Aluminum’s high conductivity properties make it an ideal material for electrical wiring, particularly for high-voltage transmission lines.
  5. Packaging: Aluminum has a good barrier against light, moisture and other gaseous, that make it useful for packaging, specially food and beverages.
  6. Aerospace: The aerospace industry also makes extensive use of aluminum, particularly in the construction of aircrafts and rockets, due to its combination of low density and high strength.
  7. Automotive: Automotive industry also benefits from aluminum properties as well, as parts can be made using it, such as engine blocks, gears, wheels, and various body parts.
  8. Marine: Aluminum’s corrosion resistance makes it well-suited for use in marine environments, and it is commonly used in the construction of boats, ships, and other watercraft.
  9. Medical: Aluminum is often used in medical equipment, such as diagnostic imaging equipment, dental implants, and surgical tools, due to its biocompatibility and ability to be easily sterilised.
  10. Other Industry: Aluminum is also used in other industries such as chemical, oil and gas, and defence, where its properties make it an ideal material for specific applications.

It’s worth noting that aluminum use is constantly evolving and new technologies are emerging which expands the possible range of applications.