Conmatest 7
Conmatest 7
Conmatest 7
Ferrous Metals
Metals are among the most useful building materials. They exist in nature as
compounds like oxides, carbonates, sulphides and phosphates and are known as
ores. Metals are derived from ores by removing the impurities.
Those used for engineering purposes are classified as ferrous metals, with iron
as the main constituent, such as
1. cast iron
2. wrought iron
3. steel
Alpha iron is weak and ductile, possesses magnetic properties and is unable to
dissolve carbon
Beta iron is hard, brittle, non-magnetic and dissolves carbon
Delta iron has properties similar to Beta iron
Gamma iron absorbs negligible carbon and is non-magnetic
Structures of Ferrous Metals
Of these the common commercial forms are gamma iron with its fcc (face-
centered cubic) structure formed at temperatures from 1394°C to 912°C, and
alpha iron which has bcc (body-centered cubic) structure formed at
temperatures from 912°C to 273°C.
The delta form is commercially unimportant
Gamma iron containing carbon, is called austenitic and alpha iron containing
carbon, is called ferritic
Iron
Iron is by for the most important of the metals used in engineering construction.
It is available in abundance, but does not occur freely in nature. The ores of iron
are classed according to the iron mineral which is predominant. The iron content
of the main ores are as follows:
Pig Iron
Pig iron is hard and brittle with fusion temperature of 1200°C and melts easily. It
can be hardened but cannot be tempered and magnetised. Its compressive
strength is high but is weak in tension and shear. Pig iron does not rust and
cannot be riveted or welded.
Pig iron is most suitable for making columns, base plates, door brackets, etc.
Cast Iron
Pig iron is remelted with limestone
(flux) and coke and refined in Cupola
furnace. It is then poured into moulds
of desired size and shape.