Claire Ward

Iron and bronze are two metals that have been in use for time immemorial. They differ in their properties and usage. Bronze that was discovered first around 3000 BC, and 1000 BC iron started being used. Bronze is an alloy of tin/copper. Iron is a naturally occurring metal. Bronze is denser than iron. Unlike bronze, iron can easily be bent. Bronze can be stronger than simple iron, but it is weaker than carburized iron. Iron has a melting point of 1600 degrees Celsius, bronze has a melting point of 1000 degrees Celsius. Bronze is easier to cast, but it is harder to forge. When heated, iron retains heat, whereas bronze cools immediately. Iron rusts, bronze does not. Bronze is less brittle than iron. Pure iron is a silver-white colour, bronze comes a copper-yellow, or dark gray colour. Both metals are used for industrial purposes. Bronze is widely used in machine parts, as it causes less friction than iron. 90% of all metal that is refined today is iron. Most is used to manufacture steel, used in civil engineering (reinforced concrete, girders etc) and in manufacturing. And then there is art.

 

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