Work

Metallographic Analyses of 19th-Century Steel Semi-Finished Products from Slovenia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This pioneering study examines metallographic characteristics of 19th-century steel semi-finished products, kept by the National Museum of Slovenia. These artefacts, manufactured in pre-industrial ironworks in present-day Slovenia, reflect the craftsmanship and technological practices of their time. Metallographic analyses revealed significant microstructural variations within individual samples, attributed to differences in carbon content, cooling rates, and forging techniques. All samples contain non-metallic inclusions composed of Si, Mn, and other oxide-forming elements. The results indicate that the semi-finished products were often manufactured by combining steels with varying carbon contents and were sometimes hardened. Additionally, this study highlights correlations between the metallurgical properties of the analysed materials and their historical classification as “iron” or “steel”.

Source: Heritage

DOI: 10.3390/heritage8040119

Authors: Gašper Oitzl, Aleš Nagode, Žiga Cvek, Peter Fajfar

Institutions: National Museum of Slovenia, University of Ljubljana, Štore Steel (Slovenia)

Language: English

Topic: Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930

Funder: Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS