what is steel made of?

Answer 1

Steel is a metal alloy (mixture of several metals) which has mostly iron and some carbon. Carbon acts as a hardening agent, preventing iron atoms, which are naturally arranged in a crystal frame, from sliding past one another (dislocation). Changing the amount of carbon and its distribution in the alloy controls qualities such as the hardness, elasticity, ability to be made into thin wires, and strength of the steel that is made. Steel with more carbon is harder and stronger than pure iron, but it also breaks more easily (brittle). One typical definition is that steels are iron–carbon alloys with up to 2.1 percent carbon by weight; alloys with higher carbon content than this are known as cast iron. Steel is also different from wrought iron with little or no carbon. It is common today to talk about 'the iron and steel industry' as if it were a single thing; it is today, but before, they were separate products.

Now there are several types of steels in which carbon is replaced with other alloying materials, and carbon, if present, is not wanted. A more up-to-date definition is that steels are iron-based alloys that can be plastically formed (pounded, rolled, etc.).

Answer 2

Steel is the same thing as iron, just heated up hotter to remove more carbon from it.

Answer 3

iron and carbon = steel

Answer 4

i think it is from iron and additives like carbon that make steel
more carbon = more strength
chromium is also added
sure there are many others too
iron is a low grade product used for things like gates
adding other meterials adds strength durability and finish

Answer 5

My Materials Science teacher used to say "Iron -- with impurities"

Answer 6

Iron, oxygen and carbon

Answer 7

depends on the type of steel:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel