Steel

Steel is an iron alloy with a carbon content typically between 0.02% and 2.1% by weight. Its exceptional versatility stems from the ability to incorporate various alloying elements (e.g., manganese, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium) and apply diverse heat treatments, which significantly alter its mechanical properties. It is renowned for its high tensile strength, good ductility (depending on type), and excellent workability. While mild steel is prone to corrosion (rusting), stainless steels, containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium, exhibit high resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Steel's density is approximately 7.85 g/cm³, and it possesses good thermal and electrical conductivity, though not as high as pure copper or aluminum. Its magnetic properties are also a key characteristic for many applications.