Here's how it works:
* Iron: The base material for most engine parts is iron. Iron alone is relatively soft and prone to wear.
* Carbon: Adding carbon to iron creates steel. Carbon atoms bond with iron atoms, forming a stronger, harder material. This process is called steelmaking.
* Hardness: The higher the carbon content in steel, the harder it becomes. This increased hardness makes engine parts more resistant to scratching, abrasion, and wear.
* Wear Resistance: Harder materials are more resistant to wear and tear. This is crucial for engine parts that experience high friction and stress, like pistons, cylinder walls, and camshafts.
While carbon increases hardness and wear resistance, it's important to note that high carbon content can also make steel more brittle. Engine parts require a balanced composition of carbon and other elements to achieve the optimal combination of hardness, strength, and toughness.
