The time scale of nomadic steelmaking from molten cast iron

Abstract

A structure consisting of roughly spherical particles of pearlite approximately 50 μm in diameter has repeatedly been observed in iron fragments excavated from across the Mongolian steppe. This structure illustrates a treatment where molten cast iron was subjected to an isothermal solidification reaction driven by the lowering of its carbon level through rapid decarburization. A simplified diffusion‐controlled model predicts that the reaction will be completed almost instantly once the cast iron reaches the fully molten state in an oxidizing environment. The technique apparently served as an effective process for small‐scale steelmaking, particularly in marginal steppe environments.