free form

combined form

nodular form

partly in free and partly in combined state.

tenacity

hardness

plasticity

corrosion resistance

compressive strength

ductility

carbon content

hardness

80% or more iron

50% or more iron

alloying elements like chromium, tungsten nickel and copper

elements like phosphorus, sulphur and silicon in varying quantities

made by adding carbon in steel

refined from cast iron

an alloy of iron and carbon with varying quantities of phosphorus and sulphur

extensively used for making cutting tools