The key difference between carbon steel and black steel is that carbon steel requires galvanization because it is susceptible to corrosion whereas black steel is made from non-galvanized steel.
Carbon steel gets its name due to the presence of carbon as a major constituent. Black steel gets its name due to the presence of a dark-coloured iron oxide coating on the surface of the steel. Both these forms are very important in pipe making.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Carbon Steel
3. What is Black Steel
4. Side by Side Comparison – Carbon Steel and Black Steel in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Carbon Steel?
Carbon steel is a form of steel that contains carbon as a major constituent. The carbon content is around 2.1% by weight. When the carbon percentage is increased, the hardness of the steel increases. Then it becomes less ductile.
Figure 01: Rolled Sheets of Carbon Steel
There are three major types of carbon steel as follows:
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Low Carbon Steel
Low carbon steel or mild steel contains a less amount of carbon, typically around 0.04-0.30% by weight. For many applications, this form of steel is useful. Other components such as aluminium are added to enhance the properties of the steel.
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Medium Carbon Steel
Medium carbon steel has more carbon than low carbon steel; usually around 0.31-0.60% by weight. It also contains a considerable amount of manganese. This form is stronger and harder than low carbon steel. Therefore, it is difficult to cut and weld this steel.
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High Carbon Steel
High carbon steel has a very high amount of carbon content around 0.61-1.50% by weight. Some people call it “carbon tool steel”. That is because of its high strength and hardness that makes it difficult to cut and weld.
What is Black Steel?
Black steel is a form of non-galvanized steel. The name “black steel” comes due to the appearance of the steel; it has a dark color on the surface of the steel due to iron oxide coating. This steel is important in applications where galvanized steel is not required.
Figure 02: Black Steel Pipes
Black steel pipes are the pipe systems that are commonly used in gas transportation. These pipes can prevent fires better than galvanized pipes. In addition, these pipes are useful in transporting water in rural areas due to the high strength of the steel. This type of steel pipes requires less maintenance.
What is the Difference Between Carbon Steel and Black Steel?
Carbon Steel vs Black Steel |
|
| Carbon steel is a form of steel containing carbon as a major constituent. | Black steel is non-galvanized and has dark-coloured iron oxide coating on the surface. |
| Carbon Content | |
| Has carbon content up to 2.1% by weight. | Contains no carbon. |
| Hardness | |
| The hardness of carbon steel depends on the carbon content. | The black steel has high strength and hardness. |
| Galvanization | |
| Requires galvanization because this steel is susceptible to corrosion. | Is a non-galvanized steel. |
Summary – Carbon Steel vs Black Steel
Carbon steel and black steel contains irons along with some other constituents. The difference between carbon steel and black steel is that carbon steel requires galvanization because it is susceptible to corrosion whereas black steel is made from non-galvanized steel.
Reference:
1. Reshift Media. “The Four Types of Steel | Metal Supermarkets.” Metal Supermarkets – Steel, Aluminum, Stainless, Hot-Rolled, Cold-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Galvanized, Brass, Bronze, Copper, 15 Sept. 2016. Available here
2. Carbon Steel vs Black Steel. Available here
3. Harris, Herbert. “What Is Black Steel Pipe? | Hunker.” Hunker.com, Hunker, 15 Apr. 2010. Available here
Image Courtesy:
1.’Carbon Steel Cold Rolled Sheet Coil’By Jatinsanghvi – Own work, (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2.’1353500′ by lbokel (CC0) via pixabay