Iron Carbide (Noun)
Meaning
A chemical compound that is a constituent of steel and cast iron; very hard and brittle.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Iron carbide is responsible for the hardness and strength of cast iron, but it also contributes to its brittleness.
- The presence of iron carbide in steel can make it more difficult to machine and weld.
- The microstructure of cast iron consists of a matrix of iron carbide and graphite.
- Iron carbide is a critical component of high-carbon steels, where it forms a hard and wear-resistant surface layer.
- The addition of certain alloying elements can help to reduce the amount of iron carbide in steel, making it more ductile and less prone to cracking.