cast iron contain a considerable amount of carbon
The adjective 'ferrous' implies that something contains or is made of iron. Therefore, cast iron is ferrous.
pig iron, wrought iron and cast iron. These are broad classifications used commercially, they can be subclassified. Chemically we say that its pure or impure, contains sulphur/phosphorous/impurities(slag, etc.)/carbon in so and so % range
The carbon content in cast iron typically ranges from 2% to 4%. This high carbon content is what gives cast iron its characteristic hardness and brittleness compared to other types of iron.
Wrought iron has the least amount of carbon among steel, pig iron, wrought iron, and cast iron. Wrought iron typically contains less than 0.1% carbon, making it more ductile and less brittle compared to the others.
Brittle because it contains impurities such as carbon and sulfur. The structure of the molecules in iron, particularly when cast, is such that it is almost crystalline in nature and breaks easily. The addition of carbon and other metals into the mix gives you more malleable compounds that are less brittle and can convert it to what we refer to as steel.
iron with 1.5% of carbon by volume or less is called carbon steel and above 1.5% it is called cast iron, hardmess increases with the carbon % i.e. cast iron is harder than carbon steel
Free carbon in cast iron refers to carbon that exists in its elemental form within the iron matrix. It appears as graphite flakes or nodules, contributing to the material's unique properties, such as high fluidity during casting and improved machinability. This free carbon distinguishes cast iron from other metals.
Iron typically contains small amounts of carbon, with most commercial iron containing less than 0.03% carbon. The amount of carbon present can affect the properties of the iron, with higher carbon content resulting in harder, more brittle iron.
Steel is an alloy of carbon and iron. If the percentage of carbon is more than 2% then it is called cast iron.
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The main difference between cast iron and mild steel is the carbon content. Mild steel has a lower carbon content than cast iron. This makes cast iron brittle, while mild steel is much harder.
The principal element in steel is IRON(Fe). A small but varying percentager of carbon alloyed to iron, gives steel.