How does the addition of carbon to iron affect its properties?

The addition of carbon to iron significantly enhances its properties, leading to the formation of steel. This process allows for a range of carbon content in the resulting steel, which affects its mechanical properties. As carbon levels increase, the resulting steel becomes stronger and harder due to the formation of various microstructures, such as pearlite and martensite, which enhance its tensile strength and resistance to deformation.

Carbon acts as a strengthening agent in iron. Just as carbon forms solid solutions with iron atoms, it modifies the arrangement of atoms within the crystalline lattice. This modification results in improved hardness and strength, making steel a versatile material suitable for countless applications, from construction to manufacturing tools.

In scenarios where carbon content is carefully controlled, the ductility of steel can still be maintained to an extent. Therefore, while higher carbon content can lead to increased brittleness, it does not inherently create a brittle material across all compositions. This balance of properties is one of the chief reasons why carbon steels, which contain varying amounts of carbon, are widely utilized in industry, offering everything from flexibility to robust load-bearing capabilities.