The main component of steel is iron. Steel is an alloy primarily made from iron and carbon, with the latter usually present in a range of 0.02% to 2.1% by weight. The addition of carbon enhances the strength, hardness, and durability of iron, making it more suitable for various applications, from construction to manufacturing. Other elements can also be added to create different types of steel with specific properties, such as stainless steel, which includes chromium for corrosion resistance. The versatility and strength of steel have made it a fundamental material in modern engineering and architecture.