What is the difference between Pig Iron and Carbon Steel?

Pig iron and carbon steel have a difference in the percentage of carbon present in them. Carbon is the main alloy element in both of these but does not have the same percentage. Carbon steel contains less than 2% carbon while pig iron has more than 2% carbon present in it. Pig iron can be obtained from iron ore by processing it in a blast furnace.

A further process of pig iron reduces its carbon content, thus producing carbon steel. Pig iron is very brittle and unstable due to the high carbon content making it prone to breakage. Carbon steel, on the other hand, may contain other elements such as copper, manganese, and silicon, making it sturdier than pig iron.

Iron is an element on the periodic table. Iron is known for being strong just as steel is. Many things are made of steel or iron. Sometimes, it is hard to tell the difference between the two because they are so strong and durable. However, there are differences because iron is one element, whereas steel is made up of a combination of things.

There are two specific types of iron and steel. One is called pig iron, and the other is called carbon steel. There are differences between these two things. Both pig iron and carbon steel contain carbon. They provide different amounts. Pig iron contains about 4% carbon. It is unusual to think that carbon steel would contain less carbon, but it does at about 2%.