Cast iron can also be further optimized by alloying with small quantities of manganese, molybdenum, cerium, nickel, copper, vanadium and titanium before being cast. Read through this ScienceStruck article to know more about the properties of this variety of iron. In comparison, steel has a lower carbon content of up to 2 wt.% and a lower silicon content. Melting point is around 1260°C. Cast iron is an iron alloy containing 2 wt.% – 4 wt.% carbon, 1 wt.% – 3 wt.% silicon and smaller amounts of minor elements [1]. Iron is the most naturally magnetic of the elements. In absolutely dry air, it does not rust. Thermal Properties of Gray Cast Iron – ASTM A48 Class 40. … Iron makes up 5% of the Earth's crust and is one of the most abundantly available metals. Its atomic number is 26. Melting down iron ore with coke to create pig iron is an easy way of processing it, and is often an intermediate step in the refining process. Some kinds of iron were clearly superior to others depending on its carbon content, although this was not appreciated. History and properties of iron. Other naturally magnetic elements include cobalt and nickel. This is the reason why grey cast iron is mostly used in machining beds (lathe machine, milling machine) to reduce and absorb the vibration due to self-damping properties. Iron is a chemical element with Fe as its symbol. Some iron ore contained vanadium producing so-called Damascene steel, ideal for swords. Pig iron then gets processed to reduce the amount of carbon in it, turning it into steel. Properties of Cast Iron. Know the physical and chemical properties, density, boiling and melting point, along with the uses of Iron … Chemical Properties Physical Properties Mechanical Properties Thermal Properties Applications. Iron is used to manufacture steel and other alloys important in construction and manufacturing. Its surface is usually discolored by corrosion, since it combines readily with the oxygen of the air in the presence of moisture. Grey cast iron is having Self-damping, good anti-friction properties and also having the lowest melting point. Iron is a shiny, bright white metal that is soft, malleable, ductile and strong. Introduction. Iron benefits to the body includes improving cognitive function, treating anemia, supporting the muscle, aiding oxygen circulation, boosting the immune system, treating fatigue, restless leg syndrome that is a result of iron deficiency, act as neurotransmitter and helps reverse insomnia. Iron is represented as Fe and has an atomic number of 26. Iron (Fe), lustrous, malleable and ductile chemical element of Group 8 (VIIIB) of periodic table, most used and cheapest metal uses by human civilization Iron atomic mass is 55.845 u. Characteristics and Properties In its pure form iron is a fairly soft, grayish metal. It belongs to group 8, periodic number 4 of the periodic table. The thermal conductivity of gray cast iron – ASTM A48 is 53 W/(m.K). Iron is the cheapest and most important of all metals - important in the sense that iron is overwhelmingly the most commonly used metal, accounting for 95 percent of worldwide metal production. Properties of Iron. Archeologists estimate that people have been using iron for more than 5,000 years, according to Jefferson Lab. The Iron Age had begun. Pig iron can be melted down to form cast iron, which is useful for a number of engineering purposes. It is malleable and a decent conductor of electricity and heat. Differences In Properties – Iron vs Steel It is very reactive and will readily corrode or rust.