Despite the popular name "iron sheets," the material commonly used today is steel, which is an alloy predominantly made of iron.
Understanding the Material Behind the Name
Although they are widely known, especially in the UK, as "iron sheets," this traditional name often refers to sheeting made from a different, stronger material. The terminology is a holdover from a time when pure iron was more commonly used for such products.
Modern Sheeting Material: Steel
For most modern applications, the material used is steel. Steel is chosen over pure iron for its enhanced strength and durability, making it more suitable for construction and other uses where structural integrity is important.
Composition of Steel
According to the provided reference, steel is essentially iron alloyed with carbon. The carbon content is added specifically for strength. It is stated that steel commonly contains 0.3% carbon. This small addition significantly alters the properties of pure iron, making the resulting steel much harder and stronger.
Vintage "Iron" Sheets
It is important to note the distinction for older materials. The reference indicates that only the surviving vintage sheets may actually be made up of 100% iron. Modern manufacturing practices and material science favor steel for its superior characteristics.
Material Comparison
Based on the reference, we can outline the materials:
| Material | Composition | Characteristics Mentioned | Use Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Iron alloyed with Carbon | Added for strength | Commonly used today |
| (commonly 0.3% carbon) | |||
| 100% Iron | Pure Iron | Less common for modern sheeting | Surviving vintage sheets |
In summary, while historically made of pure iron, the material referred to as "iron sheets" today is overwhelmingly steel, an alloy of iron and carbon.
