Would it be possible to have an advanced technological society without abundant iron? (continued)
Alex McDowell
London, UK
Advertisement
In many cases, non-ferrous metals can replace steel. We already use alloys of aluminium and titanium to save weight. Aluminium was discovered in the 19th century and was expensive because it requires electrolysis of the molten oxide to smelt.
It would be feasible to build steam engines out of bronze or brass – Thomas Savery’s first steam engine was built of brass, bronze and copper. Early cannons were also made from brass.
If iron were rare, then so too would be lodestones (magnetic rocks made from the iron mineral magnetite). This could have delayed the discovery of magnetism, which is key for many technologies, such as electricity generators.
Magnetic compasses are another example, as these were originally made using lodestone. However, objects made of cobalt or nickel can also be permanently magnetised, and perhaps this could be caused by nearby lightning strikes, in the same way as is thought to happen for lodestones. Even if it weren’t possible to make permanent magnets in this way, dynamos and electric motors can be made with electromagnets instead.
Perhaps a shortage of iron would have driven other technologies, such as the use of ceramics and ceramic coatings in internal combustion engines.
To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.
¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.