We love steel – there’s no denying it. Here are some facts you may not know about our favourite alloy-carbon duo:
● Steel is the product of iron ore that has been smelted to form metallic iron. Once the metallic iron is produced, excess carbon is removed and alloys are then added to create the basis for the various forms of steel we use today.
● It is infinitely recyclable! Steel can be recycled again and again without sacrificing its integrity.
● Steel has an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, which ranks it as one of the strongest construction materials available.
● There are over 3,500 different grades of steel in the world today!
● Steel is used in many everyday objects that we don’t even think about – from paper clips and scissors, to computers, seatbelts, and even the kitchen sink.
● Upwards of 20 tonnes of steel were recovered from the World Trade Centre after 9/11, some 7.5 tonnes of which were then used in the commission of the USS New York – a US Navy ship dedicated to the lives lost in the disaster.
● Steel contributes to the supply of renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, solar, and wind power.
● The infamous Ned Kelly wore armour fashioned almost entirely of steel – save for a few leather straps and bolts. The suit and helmet weighed a combined 45 kilograms and saved his life in the famous standoff at Glenrowan.
● By-products from the steel production process can be used in the production of other metal-based materials such as zinc, copper and lead.
● Due to its potential for expansion and shrinkage in hot and cold periods, steel structures such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Eiffel Tower of Paris can become around 15-18 cm shorter or taller than their standard height in times of temperature change.
● Over 1 billion tonnes of crude steel were produced globally in 2021.
Now we challenged YOU; have a steel fact you think WE may not know? Get in touch and try us out!
