Charles Wood (ironmaster)

Charles Wood (1702-1774) was a prominent British ironmaster, best known for his pioneering work in developing a method for producing malleable cast iron. This innovation significantly advanced iron production technology in the 18th century.

Wood's experiments, primarily conducted at his ironworks in Low Mill, Yorkshire, focused on the reduction of carbon content in cast iron, making it less brittle and more workable. While he wasn't the first to attempt this, his methods proved to be commercially viable and yielded a consistent, usable product. The process involved prolonged heating of cast iron in a reducing atmosphere, essentially decarburizing the surface layers.

His success laid the groundwork for subsequent advancements in iron and steel production. While his precise method remained somewhat secretive, its effectiveness was undeniable and contributed to the growth of the British iron industry during the Industrial Revolution. Charles Wood's contribution is primarily defined by his application and refinement of existing techniques, transforming them into a reliable industrial process.