Wire wool is a generic term for products made of filaments entwined, woven or otherwise agglomerated into a sort of felt pad or belt that is often rolled for convenience. Typical dimensions for most domestic wire-wool might be about 1cm/¼" thick by 8cm/3" broad and cut to various lengths. Although "wire wool" and "steel wool" have become almost synonymous in general use, in engineering terms this is a

misnomer A misnomer is a name that is incorrectly or unsuitably applied. Misnomers often arise because something was named long before its correct nature was known, or because an earlier form of something has been replaced by a later form to which the name ...

as other metals, plastics and even natural fibers such as bristles may be incorporated singly or in combination within the wire-wool mesh according to purpose. Most wire–wool products are intended for cleaning and polishing, but some are also occasionally used for binding, as a scaffolding, for casting or molding stabilization. Most common varieties of wire-wool are: *

Steel wool 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.''Iron Age'', Vol. LVII, p.871, cited by ''Journal of the Iron and Steel ...

is generally made of low-grade carbon steel extruded wire but also synthetic steel wool contains steel filaments that have been deliberately modified in profile or chemistry for some specific application. Unlike earlier designs that tended to oxidize modern products tend to be "rustless" * Lead wool ( Pb) which can be packed into joints of rigid tubing to make a tight and slightly flexible joint especially suitable for wet or underwater conduits * Copper wool ( Cu) used where steel is too coarse *

Bronze wool Bronze wool is a bundle of very fine bronze filaments , used in finishing and repair work to polish wood or metal objects. Niemeyer, Shirley (1994). "NF94-139 Preservation of Metal Items". Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln E ...

filaments are less likely to break and so used for finishing and polishing with less risk of scratching. *Brass wool ( Cu+Zn) is used where copper wool is too harsh including glass grinding, bright metal and fine marquetry * Aluminum wool ( Al) is for heat shielding, sound damping specialist insulation as well as final air filtration for clean rooms and operating theatres.

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Abrasives Cleaning products {{Material-stub

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