Iron art is an ancient and beautiful artistic form, and its primary material is steel. This choice of material gives iron art its unique charm and practicality. To delve into the material of iron art, we first need to understand the basic composition and properties of steel.

Steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron and carbon, commonly referred to as iron-carbon alloy. Additionally, it contains a small amount of other elements such as silicon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. These elements significantly affect the performance and processing characteristics of steel. For instance, phosphorus and sulfur are sometimes considered harmful elements as they can cause steel to become brittle during cooling, known as cold brittleness and hot brittleness. Therefore, when manufacturing iron art, it is crucial to strictly control the content of these elements.

In iron art production, the commonly used steel materials are steel and cast iron. Steel is produced by smelting pig iron in a steelmaking furnace, with a carbon content lower than 2%. Due to its low carbon content, steel exhibits high strength and toughness, making it suitable for iron art that needs to withstand significant loads. Cast iron, on the other hand, is produced by smelting pig iron, scrap castings, scrap steel, etc., in a cupola furnace, with a carbon content higher than 2%. Cast iron has excellent casting properties and wear resistance, thus often used for larger or wear-resistant iron art pieces.

Iron art products are typically divided into cast iron and wrought iron. Cast iron has a relatively simple production process and is prone to aging and rusting, but it can be mechanically processed to create various complex shapes and patterns. Wrought iron, on the other hand, is entirely handmade and contains steel components, making it more durable. High-quality wrought iron products are usually crafted through multiple meticulous steps, ensuring each piece is unique in detail. Wrought iron art not only boasts extraordinary artistic value but also reflects the wisdom and craftsmanship of humans.

To protect iron art from corrosion, surface treatment is crucial. High-quality iron art often undergoes more than six layers of special paint or powder coating, which not only prevents corrosion but also reduces the rough and cold feel, making the iron art more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

In conclusion, iron art, as a unique artistic form, primarily consists of steel. By delving into the composition and properties of steel, as well as the production techniques and surface treatment methods of iron art, we can better appreciate and preserve this ancient and beautiful art form. Simultaneously, the continuous innovation and development of iron art provide us with even more opportunities to appreciate and choose from.