Answer to Question #294070 in Physical Chemistry for Sagar

Question

What is wootz steel? How it is produced?

Answer 1

Wootz steel is also known as Seric steel.

It is a crucible steel that contains a characteristic pattern which is created due to the formation of microscopic carbides.

Crucible steel is formed when ores, carbonaceous material and lime react and the ore is reduced and the final product is sponge iron and slag.

This sponge iron is hammered or, cold worked and further heated in presence of lime to reduce the amount of carbon in it.

After continuous heating, folding of iron sheet and cold working in different manners, a characteristic pattern is formed. This is due to the segregation of microscopic carbides.

This steel has a very special quality of high toughness. It inherits both a high ductility and high strength.