Why is iron not used to make surgical and other knives: Explain your reasons.
Iron is not typically used to make surgical and other knives because it lacks certain qualities that are essential for these purposes. Here are a few reasons why iron is not the preferred material for making such knives:
1. Corrosion resistance: Iron is highly susceptible to rust and corrosion when it comes into contact with moisture or certain chemicals. This makes it an unsuitable choice for surgical and other knives, as they are frequently exposed to bodily fluids, sterilization processes, and cleaning agents used in medical environments. Stainless steel, on the other hand, contains a higher percentage of chromium, which enhances its corrosion resistance.
2. Hardness and edge retention: Iron is relatively soft compared to other metals commonly used in knife making, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or high-carbon stainless steel. A knife needs to be hard to maintain a sharp edge and withstand the repeated stress of cutting. Iron can easily lose its edge and deform under stress, rendering it less effective for surgical procedures.
3. Hygiene and sterilization: Surgical and other knives require rigorous sterilization to prevent the transmission of infections. Iron can be more difficult to sterilize compared to stainless steel, which is less porous and more resistant to heat, chemicals, and autoclave sterilization procedures.
4. Allergenic potential: Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain metals. While iron is generally not considered highly allergenic, stainless steel, which contains iron but also other elements such as nickel, can trigger allergies in susceptible individuals. To minimize the risk of allergic reactions among patients, surgical and other knives are often made from stainless steel with low nickel content or other non-allergenic materials.
In summary, iron is not used for surgical and other knives primarily due to its propensity to rust, its relatively soft nature, difficulties in sterilization, and the potential for allergic reactions. Metals like stainless steel or high-carbon stainless steel offer superior corrosion resistance, hardness, sterilization capabilities, and reduced allergenic potential, making them more suitable choices for knives used in medical settings.