Ijzers

Ijzers is the Dutch word for iron. It can refer to the metal itself as a chemical element, as well as to objects made from iron or its alloys. In Dutch, the term is also used for golf clubs, where ijzer denotes an iron club.

Iron has been used for millennia. Early iron was produced in bloomery furnaces and evolved into wrought iron and cast iron. Today, most iron production comes from steelmaking, where pig iron is refined in furnaces and alloyed to produce steel. Common iron ore minerals include hematite and magnetite.

Iron is dense and strong, especially when alloyed as steel. It is magnetic and susceptible to corrosion (rust) unless protected. Pure iron is relatively soft, so carbon and other elements are added to increase hardness and durability.

Main iron-based materials are wrought iron (low carbon and ductile), cast iron (higher carbon, good for castings but brittle), and steel (varying carbon content and alloys). Stainless steels add chromium and other elements to improve corrosion resistance.

Applications include construction, machinery, tools, and cookware. In golf, 'ijzer' refers to a class of iron clubs used for mid-range shots. Nails, bars, and pipes are common iron products in industry and daily life.

Production involves mining ore, smelting to pig iron, refining to steel, and shaping by forging, rolling, or casting. Properties depend on ore quality, furnace conditions, and alloying elements such as carbon, chromium, vanadium, and nickel.