ABSTRACT
Wrought-iron is relatively malleable and ductile due to low carbon content, typically less than 0.05%. Steel has carbon content in the range 0.2-1.0%.The slag is not well bonded to the ferrite and so does not enhance the strength of the iron. “The amount of slag in wrought iron can be up to 3 wt% of the total. It is a glassy substance composed of iron silicate and iron oxide” (Walker 2002).The thickness of the slag inclusions can range from microscopic size to 3 mm. They appear as narrow elongated strands or streaks and are given this shape by rolling the iron in a particular direction while the iron is hot. By dividing the metal into strands of ferrite the iron can be described as having a macroscopic grain due to its fibrous appearance. This texture is best seen when a nicked bar is bent backwards tearing open the metal (Figure 1).
