Content Page

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1

Objectives:...........................................................................................................................................1

Types of carbon steel...................................................................................................................................2

Low carbon steel..................................................................................................................................2

Medium carbon steel............................................................................................................................2

High carbon steel.................................................................................................................................3

Common non-ferrous engineering materials................................................................................................3

Aluminum:...........................................................................................................................................3

Copper:................................................................................................................................................4

Titanium:..............................................................................................................................................4

Magnesium:..........................................................................................................................................4

Nickel:..................................................................................................................................................4

Zinc:.....................................................................................................................................................5

Lead:....................................................................................................................................................5

Tin:.......................................................................................................................................................5

How non-ferrous metals can be used to protect from corrosion?.................................................................6

Aluminum............................................................................................................................................6

Copper..................................................................................................................................................6

Zinc......................................................................................................................................................6

Stainless Steel......................................................................................................................................6

Titanium...............................................................................................................................................6

Nickel...................................................................................................................................................6

Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................7

Bibliography................................................................................................................................................8
 Introduction
Material technology plays a crucial role in modern engineering and construction, particularly in
the selection and application of different types of metals. This report focuses on study of steel,
specifically carbon steel, and explores the different types and their applications. Additionally, it
examines common non-ferrous engineering materials and their importance in various industries.
A key focus will also be in understanding how non-ferrous metals can be utilized to protect
against corrosion, which is vital for enhancing the longevity and performance of engineering
structures.

Objectives:
 To classify and describe the different types of carbon steel and their properties.

 To identify and discuss common non-ferrous engineering materials and their uses.

 To analise how non-ferrous metal are employed to prevent corrosion in engineering

applications, with an emphasis on protective methods like galvanizing and coatings.
This work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these materials and their
significance in ensuring durability and efficiency in engineering profits.

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Types of carbon steel

Low carbon steel

Also known as “mild steel”, low carbon steel is the cheapest option in terms of value, but it is
also ease to bend and shape, which makes it perfect for multitude of uses (including sheet,
screws and concrete reinforcement bars). It can be frequently found in the kitchen in form of
cookware or eating utensils (stainless steel is low carbon) as spoons, knives, fork... But this steel
type is low carbon content means it’s unsuited to being case hardened.

 Carbon content: up to 0,3%.

 Properties: good weldability, ductility and machinability. Used in structural application,

pipelines and automotive parts.

Medium carbon steel

Medium carbon has slightly higher base carbon component than low carbon (0,31% to 0,60%)
and a bit more natural manganese as well. Because of this, medium carbon may be stronger than
low carbon, but it’s also more difficult to shape. It’s got many uses, however - thanks to its
strength and wear resistance, it is perfect for various machines or car parts.

Medium carbon steels typically has alloys like chromium, nickel and molybdenum in order to
increase its stress resistance - perfect for creating item such as studs and gears that will encounter
a lot of wear and tear. If additional hardening is needed, medium carbon steel can be heated and
held until it reaches a uniform temperature, then soaked and cooled.

 Properties: balanced strength and ductility used in automotive components, machinery parts
and structural components.

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High carbon steel
Also known as “carbon tool steel”, and as expected the most inflexible. High carbon steel has
more carbon than the other two steel types (between 0,60% and 1,4%) yet it can aslo accept
alloys in order to change its properties. Chromium and manganese alloys can be added to high
carbon steel while its being formed to help the material avoid corrosion. It is also an ideal type of
steel to subject to heat treatments in order to increase its hardness.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is heat treatments can make high carbon steel very hard but
also brittle, which means that other measures need to be taken to prevent cracking. For example
52100, which is commonly used for linear shafting, and notes that the surface is hardened for
loaded ball contact while the inner core remains unhardened, so the shaft does not become brittle
on the inside.

 Carbon content: 1.0% to 2.0%

 Properties: very hard and strong but brittle, used in specialized applications like cutting tools
and hardened parts.

Common non-ferrous engineering materials

Non-ferrous engineering materials are metals and alloys that do not contain significant amounts
of iron. These materials are essential in various engineering applications due to their unique
properties, such as resistance to corrosion, electrical conductivity, and lightweight
characteristics.

Common Non-Ferrous Engineering Materials:

Aluminum:
Properties: Lightweight, excellent corrosion
resistance, good thermal and electrical conductivity,
and high ductility.

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Applications: Widely used in aerospace, automotive, construction, and packaging industries.
Aluminum alloys are common in structural components where weight reduction is crucial.

Copper:
Properties: High electrical and thermal
conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and
malleability.

Applications: Used in electrical wiring,

electronics, plumbing, and heat exchangers.
Copper alloys, like bronze (copper-tin) and
brass (copper-zinc), are also widely used for their strength and corrosion resistance.

Titanium:
Properties: High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion
resistance, and good biocompatibility.

Applications: Used in aerospace, medical implants, marine,

and chemical processing industries. Titanium is
recommended for applications requiring both strength and
resistance to harsh environments.

Magnesium:
Properties: The lightest structural metal, good
strength-to-weight ratio, and decent corrosion
resistance when alloyed. Applications: Common in
automotive and aerospace industries for components
where weight savings are critical. Magnesium alloys
are also used in electronic devices due to their
lightweight and good machinability.

Nickel:

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 Properties: High corrosion resistance, good high-
temperature strength, and excellent alloying capability.

Applications: Used in high-temperature applications, such

as gas turbines, jet engines, and nuclear reactors. Nickel is
also a key component in stainless steel and various super
alloys.

Zinc:
Properties: Good corrosion resistance, low melting point,
and excellent galvanic properties.

Applications: Primarily used for galvanizing steel to

protect it from corrosion. Zinc alloys, like those in die-
casting, are used in automotive, construction, and
consumer goods.

Lead:
Properties: High density, excellent corrosion resistance, and
good malleability.

Applications: Historically used in plumbing, but now more

commonly found in batteries (lead-acid batteries), radiation
shielding, and some solders.

Tin:
Properties: Low toxicity, good corrosion resistance, and high ductility.

Applications: Used in tin plating, soldering (as part of solder alloys), and in the production of
bronze (an alloy of copper and tin).

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These non-ferrous materials are crucial in engineering for applications where the properties of
ferrous metals, like steel, are not suitable. Their unique characteristics enable the development of
advanced technologies and applications across various industries.

How non-ferrous metals can be used to protect from corrosion?

Non-ferrous metals can be quite effective in protecting against corrosion because they inherently
resist rust and degradation better than ferrous metals (like iron and steel). Here’s how they can be
used for corrosion protection:

Aluminum: Aluminum naturally forms a thin oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air.
This layer is highly protective, preventing further oxidation and corrosion. Aluminum is used in
many applications, from aircraft and auto mobiles to building materials and packaging.

Copper: Copper and its alloys, such as bronze and brass, have good corrosion resistance due to
the formation of a patina (a layer of copper salts) that protects the underlying metal. Copper is
commonly used in plumbing, roofing, and electrical wiring.

Zinc: Zinc is often used as a sacrificial anode in galvanizing processes. When zinc is coated on
steel, it corrodes preferentially to protect the underlying steel. This is widely used for protecting
steel structures, such as bridges and fences, from rust.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and sometimes nickel. The
chromium content forms a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface, which protects
against corrosion. It’s used in a variety of environments, including marine and industrial
applications.

Titanium: Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion, including in seawater and acidic

environments. It’s used in aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance applications
where corrosion resistance is critical.

Nickel: Nickel is often used as a component in stainless steel and other alloys to enhance their
corrosion resistance. It’s also used in electroplating to provide a protective coating on other
metals.

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By selecting and applying these non-ferrous metals appropriately, you can protect structures and
components from corrosion, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of material technology, particularly in relation to steel and non ferrous
materials is essential in the field of engineering. Understanding the types of carbon steel and
their properties allows for more informed decisions when selecting materials for various
applications, ensuring the right balance between strength, durability and cost.

Additionally, recognizing the importance and uses of common non ferrous engineering materials
provides insight into their unique characteristics, which often make them preferable in specific
industrials contexts. The investigation into how non-ferrous metals can be used to protect against
corrosion highlights the critical role of these materials play in extending the lifespan of structures
and machinery, techniques like galvanization and application of protective coatings demonstrate
how material technology can effectively combat corrosion, leading to more sustainable and cost-
effective solutions in engineering.

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Bibliography
Ashby, M. F., & Jones, D. R. H. (2012). Engineering Materials 1: An introduction to Properties,
Applications and Design (4th ed.). Elsevier.

Callister, W. D., & Rethwish, D. G. (2020). Materials science and Engineering: An Introduction
(10th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Higgins, R. A. (2010). Materials for Engineers and Technicians (6th ed.). Routledge.