What are the properties of steel?

Answer 1

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is the amount of stress that a substance can take before becoming structurally deformed. The tensile strength of steel is comparatively high, making it highly resistant to fracture or breakage, a key point in its use in infrastructure building.

Ductility

One of the useful mechanical properties of steel is its ability to be changed in shape by the application of force, without fracture. The ductility of steel enables its use in the making of different shapes and structures, such as thin wires, or large automotive parts and panels.

Malleability

This is the steel property that allows it to be deformed under compression, a property closely linked with ductility. The malleability of steel is used to compress it into sheets of variable thickness, often created by hammering or rolling.

Durability

The hardness of steel is high, reflecting its ability to resist strain once formed. It is long lasting and greatly resistant to external wear and tear.

Conductivity

Steel is a good conductor of heat and electricity. These steel properties make it useful in the making of cookware for domestic use, as well as electrical wiring.

Luster

One of the physical properties of steel is its attractive outer appearance. It is silvery in color with a shiny outer surface.

Rust Resistance

The addition of certain elements makes some types of steel resistant to rust. Stainless steel for instance contains nickel, molybdenum and chromium which improve its ability to resist rust.