Properties

Pig iron is an alloy of 90-95% iron, 3-4% carbon and traces of sulphur, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Its cost $387 per ton.

Its high carbon content makes it very brittle. Because of this, Pig iron can't be welded or riveted, and it proves very difficult to bend.

Pig iron has a melting point 1200° C, relatively low for iron alloys. It is very fusible and is commonly used to make other alloys.

It oxidizes because it is a iron alloy.