Development of Steel

Steel is an alloy made from iron, carbon, and other elements. Steel is cheap to produce and has a high tensile strength. Steel has many uses including ship building, construction, and automobiles.

Steel

Copy This Example — Or — Make Your Own Storyboard

More options

Steel is a mixture of mostly iron and carbon, with varying amounts of other elements mixed in. After aluminium, iron is the second most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. Pure iron can be quite soft and easily bent. In pure iron, the atoms easily slide past each other. The carbon acts as a hardening agent and it stops the iron atoms moving as easily. Steel can contain up to 2.1% carbon. If any more carbon is added, then the substance is known as cast iron.

Steel has been used extensively throughout history. The earliest known steel production came from Anatolia (modern day Turkey) in 1800 BCE. Steel was used for creating weapons, such as swords and spears, but also tools. Centuries later, the Bessemer process brought in a new era of steel making. The Bessemer process was patented in 1856 by the processes’ inventor, Henry Bessemer. This industrial process allowed for the mass production of steel from molten pig iron and greatly reduced the cost of steel production.

To create stainless steel, chromium is added to steel. A hard oxide forms on the surface, which stops corrosion. Stainless steel has many applications, including chemical tankers, cookware, and surgical instruments, as it can be steam cleaned and sterilized with a reduced risk of corrosion.

Steel has a wide range of applications and is commonly used in making buildings, ships, cars, machines, weapons, tools, and household appliances. Large buildings and structures, such as stadiums and airports, are often built with a steel skeleton. Steel is one of the world’s most recycled materials, with a global rate of 60%.

Create your own Storyboard

Try it for Free!

Frequently Asked Questions about Development of Steel

What is steel and how is it different from iron?

Steel is an alloy made mainly of iron and a small amount of carbon, which makes it stronger and more flexible than pure iron. Unlike iron, steel resists rust and is used in many construction and manufacturing applications.

How is steel made?

Steel is produced by melting iron ore and adding carbon and sometimes other elements. This process removes impurities, resulting in a stronger, more durable metal used in buildings, vehicles, and tools.

Why is steel important in everyday life?

Steel is crucial because it's used to make cars, bridges, appliances, and even classroom supplies. Its strength and flexibility make it a preferred material for many products we use daily.

What are common uses of steel in construction?

Steel is often used in buildings, bridges, pipelines, and reinforced concrete. Its ability to support heavy loads and resist weather makes it ideal for construction projects.

What are the main types of steel and their uses?

There are several types of steel, such as carbon steel (used in construction), stainless steel (used in kitchenware), and alloy steel (used in machinery). Each type has unique properties for different applications.