- 2059 Poush (old course) · 6 marks
Compare cast iron, steel, aluminium
Short answer
Cast iron (high carbon) is brittle with high compressive strength, used for pipes and manholes. Steel (0.05-1.5% C) is strong, ductile but rusts, for structures. Aluminium (density 2700 kg/m³) is light, corrosion-resistant, conductive, for windows and cladding.
Compare the properties and uses of cast iron, steel and aluminium.
| Property | Cast iron | Steel | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Fe with 2-4.5% C | Fe with 0.05-1.5% C | Pure Al or alloys |
| Density | About 7200 kg/m³ | About 7850 kg/m³ | About 2700 kg/m³ |
| Strength | Low tensile, high compressive | High tensile and compressive | Low to moderate (alloys are good) |
| Ductility | Brittle | Ductile | Ductile |
| Weldability | Poor | Good | Fair, needs special methods |
| Corrosion | Fair | Rusts, needs protection | Very good (oxide film) |
| Conductivity | Low | Low | High (thermal and electrical) |
| Melting point | 1150-1300 °C | 1400-1500 °C | 660 °C |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | High |
| Fire resistance | Good | Loses strength at about 550 °C | Weak at high temperature |
Uses
- Cast iron: pipes, columns, manhole covers, brackets, drainage fittings.
- Steel: reinforcement, structural frames, bridges, trusses, roofs, tanks.
- Aluminium: windows, doors, roof sheets, cladding, curtain walls, conductors.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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