Iron: A Promising Material of the XXI Century

Results of studies of the structure and properties of various kinds of cast iron are considered. It is shown that at specific structural states and treatment modes iron with globular graphite acquires high ductility in addition to high strength. This makes it possible to deform it by any method used in metallurgy and machine building. The operation of deformation produces a combination of mechanical and physicochemical properties that makes iron a new structural material. Such iron will find wide use in various branches of industry. Specific applications are presented.