Influences of Alloying Elements on Steels

In this article, thepassionatewriter.com will try to examine the influences of alloying elements on steels.

What Is Alloying Steel?

By adding various alloying elements (mostly in the form of ferroalloys) to plain carbon steels, Alloy Steels with very different properties are obtained.

Depending on the form and percentage of one or more of these elements, it is called “Low Alloy or Chromium-Nickel Steel”.

Influences of Alloying Elements on Steels

1. CARBON (C)

This is the important and main element. It is the one that affects the steel properties the most. With the increase in carbon, hardness, water absorption ability, and strength increase. Against this; Malleability, weldability, and flexibility decrease.

2. MANGANESE (Mn)

Increases the strength, yield limit, hot forming and welding ability, and hardening depth of steel. Steels with a Mn ratio of around 0.20/0.35 can harden in water. Steels with an Mn percentage exceeding 1 are considered manganese. Steels containing higher (12/14) Mn ratio form an austenitic structure and steels with great resistance to abrasion are obtained. 1244 °C

3. SILISIUM (Si)

Increases strength and hardness without reducing the ductility and toughness of steel. It is especially used in spring steels. The term silicon is used for steel whose amount exceeds 0.40%. The heat resistance of steels containing high Si increases. 1410 °C

4. SULFUR (S)

It passes into the steel structure during production and makes it brittle and brittle. It is generally a harmful element that needs to be eliminated. However, in free-cut steels, it is increased to 0.30 and twice as much Mn is added to eliminate its harmful effect. 118 °C

5. PHOSPHORUS (P)

It is an element that has a harmful effect. It is preferred that the amount is small.

6. CHROME (Cr)

It is the element most commonly added to steels. It increases strength and hardening properties. High chromium steels increase resistance to rust, corrosion, and abrasion. 1920 °C

7. NICKEL (Ni)

It is an element that is widely used like chrome and, together with chromium, allows the hardness to decrease to depth and increases strength and impact resistance. It is also used in the production of heat-resistant and stainless steels because it is resistant to rust, corrosion, and heat.

8. MOLYBDENUM (Mo)

It is usually found together with Cr and Ni. Even though it is added in small amounts, it causes all properties to increase. In one way its effect is similar to Wolfram and makes it concise. It is used in a wide range of steel groups (hardening, tempering, and tool steels). 2610 °C

9. VANADIUM (V)

It is one of the most important elements that is added in small amounts but provides a large change in properties. It especially increases the impact resistance and generally ensures that the cutting tips remain cutting for a long time. 1730 °C

10. WOLFRAM (W)

It is a valuable element with positive properties. It is mostly used in high-speed and hot work steels. 3380 °C

Other Elements

1. LEAD (Pb)

It is added only to automaton steels at a rate of (0.2-0.5%). It provides ease of processing and a clean surface and does not affect mechanical properties much. 327 °C
BOR (B): Even if it is added at very low rates (such as 0.001%), it allows the hardness to reach depths during quenching and increases the core strength, especially in case hardening steels. 2040 °C

2. ALUMINUM (Al)

Aluminum Nitride is a useful element used in small amounts in durable steels and magnet steels. 660 °C

3. COPPER (Cu)

Generally improves properties. However, he does not participate much in private. It is undesirable because it makes tattooing difficult.