Iron Man → Main topic information 1

Iron Man

Main topic information 1

Vocabulary/new concepts:

An alloy is a mixture obtained by melting and mixing two or more metals or a metal and another nonmetallic element.

Cast iron is a type of alloy of iron and carbon with a carbon content of 2.1% to 6.5%.

Cementite is a compound of iron with carbon known as iron carbide, with the approximate chemical formula Fe₃C (tri-iron carbide). It is characterised by a rhomboidal crystalline structure and is composed of 93% iron and 7% carbon. When playing a strengthening role in steel, the chemical composition is altered by the presence of manganese and other carbide-forming elements. Cementite is brittle, hard, with almost zero ductility and falls within the classification of ceramic materials. Since it tends to be thermodynamically unstable, it eventually becomes graphite and ferrite.

Haemoglobin is a complex protein found in the red blood cells of vertebrates and man. Its main function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and organs in the body.

What is the Ironman Triathlon known for?

The Ironman Triathlon is a true challenge for the mind and body. It is organised by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). It is an ultramarathon consisting of three consecutive disciplines – 3.86 kilometres of open water swimming, 180.25 kilometres of cycling and 42.20 kilometres of running, which are held one after the other and without breaks. It is therefore recognised as one of the most prestigious and gruelling sporting events in the world.

The Ironman Triathlon usually has a finish time of 16 or 17 hours. The race starts in the morning, with a control time of 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the swim, 8 hours and 10 minutes for the bike, and 6 hours and 30 minutes for the marathon run, which finishes at midnight. Each participant finishing the race in the control time receives the title of Ironman.

The first Ironman triathlon was held in 1978 in Hawaii.

The name „Iron man“ is a symbol of incredible endurance, physical strength and mental resilience. Competitors must have very solid training to overcome physical fatigue, pain, and doubts about success. This competition is for people who want to challenge themselves and test their physical and mental capabilities. The most important quality they possess is endurance – physical and mental.

Source: https://depositphotos.com; Collage: We Teach Data project

What is characteristic of metals and alloys?

Metals are rarely used in their pure form. They are primarily used in various alloys. Alloys are mixtures obtained by melting and mixing two or more metals or a metal and another non-metallic element. The resulting mixture is then cooled to form a solid. Alloys have different properties from those of the individual metals or non-metallic elements that make them up. In most cases, they have more useful properties than the pure components that make them up – for example, strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, electrical conductivity, etc. This makes them extremely valuable in many areas of industry and everyday life.

Alloys can be of different types depending on their structure and properties. They are heterogeneous mixtures. This means that the components contained are not evenly distributed throughout the alloy. The different components of an alloy can be seen under a microscope. For example: in steel, the carbon atoms are not evenly distributed throughout the alloy. This depends on a number of factors – alloy composition, production conditions, heat and mechanical treatment, etc.

Steel and cast iron are composed of the same elements – iron and carbon, but with different percentages. Any change in the ratio of either element changes the properties of the resulting alloy. Specifically:

➔ Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with increased strength and resistance to fracture compared to other forms of iron. It can also contain many other elements. Stainless steels that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation usually need an additional 11% chromium. Because of its high strength, hardness, ductility and corrosion resistance, steel is used in buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships, trains, cars, bicycles, machinery, appliances, furniture and weapons. The carbon content of steel is typically between 0.03% and 2.1%. The higher the carbon content, the stronger the steel, but it also becomes more brittle.

➔ Cast iron is a type of iron-carbon alloy with a carbon content of 2.1% to 6.5%. It is produced by smelting iron ore in a blast furnace, after which the molten metal is poured into moulds. Cast iron is a strong and durable material, but it is also brittle. It is often used for applications where strength and durability are important, such as in construction – for sewer pipes, manhole covers; in households – heating plates, cookware; car engine blocks, etc.

What types of steel are there?

Carbon steel is the most common type of steel. It contains between 0.03% and 2% carbon. Carbon steel is strong and highly wear-resistant, but it is also brittle. Although it is ductile and simple to machine, it requires a protective covering, such as paint or zinc, because it is prone to corrosion. It is appropriate for uses where durability is necessary. Most frequently, it is utilised for beams, profiles, and reinforcements in mechanical engineering (shafts, gears), agriculture (ploughs, tools), and domestic settings (pipes, radiators, cooking utensils, etc.).
Alloy steel,besides iron and carbon, contains other elements such as nickel, copper, aluminium, etc. These elements improve the strength, hardness, durability, ease of machining and corrosion resistance of steel. Alloy steels are used in a variety of applications including tools, automotive parts, machinery, ship hulls, etc.
Stainless steel contains at least 11% chromium. Chromium reacts with oxygen and forms a protective layer on the surface of the steel that prevents corrosion and prevents rusting. Stainless steel is flexible, easy to clean, hygienic, and very easy to form into various shapes. For instance, it is frequently utilised in the food and medical industries for a variety of purposes, including implants, surgical equipment, cutlery, and culinary appliances. It is recyclable.

What are the types of cast iron?

Grey cast iron is the most common type of cast iron. Its name is due to the grey colour of its rough surface as it contains graphite. Grey cast iron is strong in compression but weak in tension. It is also brittle and can break easily if not handled properly. It is well-machined with cutting tools. It is mainly used in mechanical engineering.
White cast iron is harder but also more brittle than grey cast iron. Because it includes carbide, its rough surface is white, hence its name. Rapid cooling of the molten iron stops graphite from forming, resulting in white cast iron. It is challenging to deal with and cannot be welded. It is the most resilient and durable kind of cast iron. Cutting tools including drill bits, milling cutters, cutters, railway wheels, pumps, etc. are its main application.
Ductile cast iron is a strong and ductile type of cast iron. When magnesium is added to molten iron, it creates spherical graphite nodules rather than flaky graphite, which is what happens in grey cast iron. Because of this, it has numerous significant benefits, including high strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion and impact. It may be worked by cutting, welding, and other techniques, but it costs more than other cast irons. It is employed in many different fields, including engineering, agriculture, construction, and the automobile industry, when these qualities are necessary.

It is becoming clear that these alloys, although made from the same elements, have some key differences when it comes to their properties or even appearance.