Modern science and technology are so developed. This is indispensable for scientists from all walks of life to reproduce, understand, explore and practice nature, life, environment, phenomena and their properties. They are unique in their respective fields and have made outstanding contributions. Great scientists have advanced the development of human history through their tireless efforts and wisdom. But in backward ancient times, there was no knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry summarized by scientists, and craftsmen were also very powerful. They have used the industriousness and wisdom accumulated over generations to create amazing inventions and art.
It can only be said that the "Iron Pillar of India", which has a history of thousands of years, is still immortal. There is no rust on the surface of the iron pillar. The use of modern scientific common sense to explain the "iron pillar that does not rust" can only be described as a miracle.
Due to the relatively reactive chemical properties of iron, it is easy to rust under the action of oxygen, solution and carbon dioxide in moist air. In addition, once the iron rusts, the rust structure will be loose and easier to absorb moisture and air, thus accelerating rusting. At this rate, the rusty iron will only get worse. Therefore, in order to better preserve iron products, they are generally placed in airtight containers and stored in cool, dry warehouses.
In Mehalori, near Delhi, India, a huge iron pillar cast in the 5th century AD has stood for more than 1,500 years and is known locally as the "Pillar of Immortality". The entire iron pillar is 67 meters, diameter about 137 meters. It is made of wrought iron and is strong overall. The top of the column has antique decorative patterns, which are patterns in the style of ancient India.
According to the Sanskrit inscription on the iron pillar, this iron pillar was cast in honor of King Chandra of the Mauryan Dynasty. What is the secret of this iron pillar cast by ancient Indians that can withstand thousands of years of wind and rain without rusting?
Wrought iron is iron that is refined from pig iron. Also known as wrought iron, pure iron. Pig iron is very brittle and is usually cast. However, if wrought iron products are exposed to the air all day long and withstand wind and rain, they can generally be used for decades. Over time, it will be covered in rust and decay.
Theoretically, pure iron does last longer than iron with more impurities, but is it really possible to cast "wrought iron" in the chemical sense according to ancient technology?According to modern technology, malleable cast iron, low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and even high carbon steel may contain the concept of "wrought iron". In simple terms, stainless steel also includes "wrought iron".
According to the study of iron pillars by Indian scientists, impurities were found in the iron pillars, but it turned out that the corrosion resistance of the iron pillars was even higher than that of stainless steel. This means that there must be other mysteries in the Iron Pillars that can make them immortal for thousands of years.
At first, some believed that the ancient Indians had mastered a more amazing metallurgical process. The wrought iron they forge will never rust. However, some people soon raised doubts. If the ancient Indians had really mastered this metallurgical technique, they would never have rusted. Craftsman's spirit, so why are the iron products or iron buildings of the same period not as immortal as these iron pillars?
In the 19th century, Sir Alexander Kenninggorm's research showed that the "Hindu Pillars" were made of stacked iron plates. Multiple iron plates were welded together to form an iron pillar. Sir Alexander's research only explains how such a long iron pillar was cast, but does not explain the immortality of the iron pillar.
It was not until the beginning of the last century that Sir Robert Defield received permission from the authorities to take samples from the iron pillars. After chemical extraction, it was found that the iron pillar contained 9972% iron, also contains some sulfur, carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen and copper. Element, indeed, the purity of the iron pillar is still very high, but this also shows that the iron pillar should still be corroded.
Since then, many scientists around the world have continued to study the "Indian Sacred Pillar". It is believed that the immortality of the Indian iron pillars is special because of the special structure of the columns "large castings" and the unique style of the local Indians. The climate will be immortal.
Finally, Ramamurthy Balasubramanian, a local scholar and materials engineer at Kanpur University, discovered the mystery of the column. He also took samples from the surface of the iron pillars for chemical analysis. He came to a completely different conclusion than Sir Robert from Sir Robert, that the sample contained a high level of phosphorus.
It is because of the chemical reaction of elemental phosphorus with iron and air to form the hydrate of hydrogen phosphate. When the iron pillar begins to rust, the protective film formed by phosphorus, iron, and air prevents rust in the first place. Traces of further development.
Without this protective film, the iron pillars of India would be directly exposed to chemical and galvanic corrosion, as some unevenness and small defects will inevitably arise during the casting and forging process. Moreover, the local climate of India is indeed an important factor. For most of the year, the air humidity in Delhi does not exceed 70%. The decomposition of the electrolyte into water is an important cause of iron corrosion.
However, Mamursi's research has not been universally recognized, because the use of phosphorus compounds such as gray phosphorus and colored phosphorus for rust prevention has only been developed in recent times. The ancient Indians possessed this knowledge beyond common sense. But no matter what, this "Hindu Sacred Column" that has stood for thousands of years still shows that it was built with the wisdom and diligence of the ancient Indians. This in itself is a miracle that amazes the world.