P H Y S IC A L, C H EM IC A L A N D

M EC H A N IC A L P R O P ER TIES
O F S TEEL

S TEEL: P H Y S IC A L P R O P ER TIES

The physical properties of an alloy depend on the percentage composition of

the constituent elements and the manufacturing process. The properties of steel
are totally different from its component elements - iron and carbon. One of its
major properties is the ability to cool down rapidly from an extremely hot
temperature after being subjected to water or oil. And a particular amount of
carbon can be dissolved in iron at a specific temperature.
The physical properties of steel include high strength, low weight, durability,
ductility and resistance to corrosion. Steel, as we all know, offers great strength
though it is light in weight. In fact, the ratio of strength to weight for steel is the
lowest than any other building material available to us. The term ductility means
steel can be moulded easily to form any desired shape.
Unlike the constituent element iron, steel does not corrode easily, on being
exposed to moisture and water. The dimensional stability of steel is a desired
property; it is found that the dimension of steel remains unchanged even after
many years, or after being subjected to extreme environmental conditions. Steel
is a good conductor of electricity, i.e., electricity can pass through steel.
Steel grades are classified by many standard organizations, based on the
composition and the physical properties of the metal. The deciding factor for the
grade of steel is basically its chemical composition and the supplied condition.
The higher the carbon content, the harder and stronger is the steel metal. On the
contrary, a high quality steel containing less carbon is more ductile.

 Earlier forms of steel consisted of more carbon, as compared to the present

day steel. Today, the steel manufacturing process is such that less carbon is
added and the metal is cooled down immediately, so as to retain the desirable
physical properties. Rapid cooling (or quenching) of steel also alters the grain
structure.
There are other types of steel such as galvanized steel and stainless steel
(corrosion-resistant steel). Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to protect it from
corrosion, whereas stainless steel contains about 10 percent chromium in its
composition.
FACTORS AFFECTING PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
-Carbon content: Carbon increases the hardness but decreases ductility of steel.
-Presence of impurities: Impurities like silicon, sulphur and phosphorus are present.
-Heat treatment:
There are many types of heat treating processes available to steel. The most
common are annealing, quenching and tempering. Annealing is the process of
heating the steel to a sufficiently high temperature to soften it. This process
occurs through three phases: recovery, recrystallization, and grain growth. The
temperature required to anneal steel depends on the type of annealing and the
constituents of the alloy.
Quenching and tempering first involve heating the steel, then quenching it in water
or oil. This rapid cooling results in a hard and brittle structure. The steel is then
tempered, which is just a specialized type of annealing. In this application the
annealing (tempering) process reduces internal stresses and defects, which
ultimately results in a more ductile and fracture-resistant metal.

C hem ical com position of steel

The primary components of iron and steel slag are limestone (CaO)
and silica (SiO2). Other components of blast furnace slag include
alumina and magnesium oxide (MgO), as well as a small amount of
sulphur (S), while steelmaking slag contains iron oxide (FeO) and
magnesium oxide (MgO). In the case of steelmaking slag, the slag
contains metal elements (such as iron) in oxide form, however because
the refining time is short and the amount of limestone contained is
large, a portion of the limestone auxiliary material may remain
undissolved as free CaO.
These components exist in the natural world in places such as the
Earths crust, natural rock, and minerals, and the chemical
composition is similar to that of ordinary Portland cement. The shape
and physical characteristics of iron and steel slag are similar to
ordinary crushed stone and sand, however due to differences such as
the chemical components and cooling processes, it is possible to
provide different types of slag with a wide variety of unique properties.
For example, there are some types of slag that harden when alkali
stimulation occurs.

M echanicaltreatm ent ofsteel

Following are operations involved in mechanical treatment of steel1) Drawing: Carried out to reduce the cross section and to increase
the length proportionately. This process is used to prepare wires
and rods.
2) Forging: The operation is carried out by repeated blows under a
power hammer or a press. The metal is heated above the critical
temperature range. This process increases density of metal.
3) Pressing: Carried out by an equipment called press. It does not
involve any shock. Press consists of mainly a die and a punch. The
metal is pressed between a die and a punch.
4) Rolling: Carried out in specially prepared rolling mills. The various
shapes such as angles, channels, flats, joists, rails, etc. are
obtained by the process of rolling. It is possible to prepare joint
less pipe with the help of this process. The solid rod is bored by
rollers in stages until the pipe of required diameter and thickness
is obtained.

Subm itted by Himani Watal

Sem-3 Section B
CUN110301044