In a world where climate change is an ever-present concern and sustainable alternatives are highly sought after, low carbon steel is fast growing in popularity. As steel is used in everything from sewing needles to construction, having an eco-friendlier option is a definite plus.
1.5 billion tonnes of steel is produced annually, and in this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how the low carbon alternative weighs up against the traditional metal.
Also called carbon neutral steel, green, or sustainable steel, low carbon steel is a metal alloy made up of carbon and iron. The carbon content is typically less than 0.25%, with 0.3% being the maximum. It also comprises less than 0.3% of other elements such as silicon and manganese. This steel has a tensile strength range of 400-550 MPa, ensuring that it has both strength and malleability, making it ideal for applications across numerous industries.
Low carbon steel composition differs from standard carbon steel which is made of iron, carbon, and silicon. The carbon content is usually between 0.4% and 2%, making it considerably higher. However, in many use cases, sustainable steel can perform the same function only at a lesser cost to the environment and your pocket.
Low carbon steel’s composition makes it a relatively ductile, soft material that allows for easy shaping. This makes it ideal for applications like structural wires or supports as it’s malleable and weldable. Due to its ability to be shaped and machined it’s a popular choice for welding or fabrication.
Although carbon neutral steel has a low strength-to-weight ratio and is not as resistant to corrosion as higher carbon steels, it’s ideal for use in cold temperatures. This metal is specifically designed for use in -150°C temperatures as it remains ductile and tough despite the freezing conditions. Additionally, its lower cost makes it a great option for many industries, especially considering it’s not as prone to cracking or getting brittle as other carbon steel types.
Due to this material’s properties, there are numerous low carbon steel uses across multiple industries. It’s often used in structural construction on bridges, decking, balconies, and staircases, in the automotive industry to make car components, and in the aerospace sector to manufacture components like landing gear struts. As it’s so malleable and easily mouldable, it is also used in metal or woodworking tools.
Like all metals, there are pros and cons to this type of metal. If you’re aware of the advantages and disadvantages of low carbon steel, you can make an informed choice about whether it will suit your needs.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Low carbon steel’s sustainability is a major advantage as it makes it a more desirable material. There’s an increasing focus on sustainability across the world, and consumers are looking for products that have less of a negative impact on the environment. Low carbon steel ticks this box as it produces fewer greenhouse gasses during its production. This means it has a lower carbon footprint than other steels. However, to be truly zero-carbon, it would need to be produced without any CO2 emissions at all. While this doesn’t look likely in the near future, the fact that there is now a more sustainable option is good news.
Additionally, low carbon steel can be recycled, conserving as much as 120 pounds of limestone, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 2,500 pounds of iron ore for every ton that gets reused. This reduces carbon emissions and waste, which ensures there’s less impact on the environment.
When you look at the low carbon steel advantages and disadvantages it’s easy to see why this material is an excellent choice for a wide range of products and projects. It’s an especially good sustainable steel alternative for use outdoors and it’s easy to customise and work with due to its malleability. With so many positives and such wide potential for application, carbon neutral steel is definitely a material worth considering.
