Steel wool, also known as iron wool, wire wool, or wire sponge, is a bundle of very fine and flexible sharp-edged steel filaments. It was described as a new product in 1896.[1] It is used as an abrasive in finishing and repair work for polishing wood or metal objects, cleaning household cookware, cleaning windows, and sanding surfaces.[2]
Steel wool is made from low-carbon steel in a process similar to broaching, where a heavy steel wire is pulled through a toothed die that removes thin, sharp, wire shavings.[2]
- ^ Iron Age, Vol. LVII, p.871, cited by Journal of the Iron and Steel Institute, Volume 50, Issue 2, p.482 [1]
- ^ a b Jessica Elzea Kogel; Nikhil C. Trivedi; James M. Barker; Stanley T. Krukowski (2006). Industrial Minerals & Rocks (7th ed.). SME. p. 156. ISBN 9780873352338. Retrieved 2009-07-21.