Iron

1.3-30 usd/kg
Circularity potential
High
Strength
Very high
Production energy
High
Stiffness
High
Embodied CO2
Medium
Density
Extreme

Iron is a valuable modern engineering material that, in the past, played an import role in the development of architecture and industry. Wrought iron, which is now largely only used for decorative purposes, allowed for longer uninterrupted structures in architecture, as well as elegant detailing that was not practical with other materials of the time. In structural applications, wrought iron has been replaced by steel, which is tougher and stronger.

Cast iron, on the other hand, offers many advantages over steel and other metals when it comes to endurance and dampening, especially in complex castings and large structural components. These three metals are primarily distinguished by their carbon content. Wrought iron contains almost no carbon (<0.035%), cast iron between 2-4% and steel between 0.06-2%. Alloys are mixed with cast iron and steel to further enhance mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. And this opens up opportunities for heat treatment to refine strength and hardness.


Paddington station, London, UK, by Isambard Kingdo...
Plaster ceiling mouldings and wrought iron railing...
Liverpool Street Station, London, by Edward Wilson...

Boston Metal have developed an electrolytic proces...