Question

Does steel have any interstitial space?

Answer 1

Interstitial compounds :

• The compounds are formed when small atoms of $\mathrm{H}$, $\mathrm{C}$ or $\mathrm{N}$ get trapped inside the crystal lattice of metals.
• As vacant spaces of the transition metals are filled up by small atoms, these compounds are hard and rigid.
• A number of interstitial compounds are formed by the transition metals.
• The chemical properties of the parent transition metals are not altered during the formation of interstitial compounds.
• Steel is the alloy of iron which is known for its non-rusting property.
• Steel is an interstitial compound due to the presence of small-sized carbon atoms in the interstitial space of iron.