Chapter 337: Carburization

Chapter 337: Carburization

TL: Carburization occurs when carbon enters the surface layer of a metal or alloy. The dissolved carbon remains in solution or reacts with the metal to form carbides. Both mechanisms strengthen or harden the surface of the metal. (shorturl.at/zSTY8)

Of course, steel can rust, but the corrosion rate of steel is much slower than that of iron. Using steel wire to make a net can solve the problem of fish farming to some extent. Of course, it is better to use nylon and other materials to make fish nets, but the world has not started to engage in the chemical industry, and only some alchemists are conducting the most basic chemical research.

When the Queen saw the steel wire, all her pride just flew out, and she was angry, How much steel do you need to make a net that can encircle the river and raise fish? How much money do you need? Just to raise a few fish, you put so much steel into it, which will only lose money, and it is impossible to profit."

Robb laughed and said, "No, you are mistaken. Steel will soon become one of the most worthless things in Westwind Town. Well, after you dig a mine like me, your steel will also become worthless. Then you will find that it is very cost-effective to use steel wire as a net to raise fish. Do you believe it?"

The little head of the Cat folk head shook from side to side. If he doesn't believe it, he doesn't believe it at all. How can steel become the least valuable thing? This thing has never been worthless. It's always very expensive. A steel pot can sell for a lot of money.

However, Miss Queen believed it!

Because she knew that Robb's mining company's ability to produce steel was extremely abnormal. With the cooperation of the mine cart and the large smelting furnace, the molten iron was spewing out of the furnace like it was free of money, and the speed was crazy.

The only thing to be thankful for is that the railway track that Miss Queen's sister managed to build up by using iron from smashing pots and pans has also been added to the mine tunnel. Before long, her mining company will also start to produce iron in large quantities, which will barely keep up with Robb's game.

But for now Miss Queen can't keep up with one thing, steel!

Robb's steel is made by hand, with high hardness and corrosion resistance.

However, the Queen's subordinates still use the old process of "making steel by a hundred hits", that is, they repeatedly knock on iron for a hundred times. They remove impurities and improve its hardness by constantly beating it, and then it will become hard and black as if it is very powerful. They call it "steel".

In fact, in the eyes of a modern man like Rob, it is still iron, and can't be called steel at all.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

Robb thought to himself, [Yes, but they probably didn't know that their process was called "carburizing"]

He changed his question and asked, "How do you change iron into steel?"

The blacksmith smiled and said, "This is simple. Burn the iron in the charcoal, and the iron will be extremely hard. Then well take it out and beat it hard again and again, and it will become steel!"

"Yes! This is carburizing." Robb couldn't help applauding after hearing this. How awesome! People in this world do not know chemistry, but after thousands of years of exploration, they know how to burn iron in charcoal and burn it. In this way, carbon can penetrate into iron and make it harder. This is called the wisdom of working people.

Robb smiled and said, "Well, your method is very powerful! But do you know why iron is harder when it is burned in charcoal?"

"I don't know!" The old blacksmith shook his head, "Why on earth does it happen?"

Robb smiled and said, "Well, the next thing I want to say is a divine craft. Listen carefully. If you don't understand, I don't care. I'll just say it once. How much you understand is your destiny. If you learn, you are the best blacksmith in the world. I won't be responsible if you don't."

As soon as the words came out, the blacksmith could not help but listen to them. The queen beside him waved her hand immediately. A secretary came out from the side, picked up his pen and put on an expression of being prepared to record everything.

Robb smiled, "In any technology, the principle must be clarified first. Only when you understand the principle can you make it better. Let me tell you the principle of steel making. Steel is formed by combining iron and carbon in a certain proportion."

The secretary quickly noted everything.

The old blacksmith asked, "What is carbon?"

Robb smiled, "As for carbon, it's too troublesome to explain. You only need to know that carbon is a substance contained in charcoal, coal and other fuels. If it enters iron, it will make iron hard. Therefore, your burning behavior of putting iron in charcoal is to let carbon enter iron, which is what I originally said - carburization."