There are three types of iron. According to provided information, iron, being the most common and affordable metal, exists primarily in three forms: pig iron, cast iron, and wrought iron.
Here's a breakdown of the three types:
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Pig Iron: This is the raw, initial product from smelting iron ore. It contains a high percentage of carbon, making it very brittle and unsuitable for direct use in most applications.
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Cast Iron: Created by re-melting pig iron, often with additions of scrap iron and other alloys. Cast iron has a high carbon content (typically 2-4%), which gives it excellent casting properties but makes it less ductile than steel. It's strong in compression but weak in tension.
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Wrought Iron: This type of iron has a very low carbon content compared to cast iron. This makes it much more ductile, malleable, and strong in tension. Wrought iron is known for its ability to be easily worked (wrought) into different shapes, hence the name.
| Type of Iron | Description | Carbon Content | Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pig Iron | Raw product from smelting iron ore. | Very High | Brittle, not suitable for direct use. | Intermediate step in iron production. |
| Cast Iron | Re-melted pig iron with scrap and alloys. | High (2-4%) | Good casting properties, strong in compression, weak in tension, relatively brittle. | Engine blocks, cookware, pipes. |
| Wrought Iron | Iron with very low carbon content. | Very Low | Ductile, malleable, strong in tension, easily worked. | Historically used for fences, gates, and decorative ironwork. |
