Ask A Scientist© Environmental Earth Science Archive

name         Tevin K.
status       other
age          40s

Question -   What is the container that holds liquid steel made of?
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I do 'oknow the exact answer to this question, but I can present some
relevant facts.  The melting point of steel (Fe) is 2500 F.  Obviously
the container must melt at a higher temperature.  Various metals and
alloys satisfy this condition:

wrought iron - 2750 F
Chromium -     2939 F
Cobalt -       2696 F
Iridium -      4260 F
Vanadium -     3128 F
Tungsten -     6152 F

I suspect it is made of some alloy of steel containing chromium.  It
could also be made of steel lined with carbon.

Best, Dick Plano
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