Alloy Steel Element
Functions of main alloying elements :
Elements | Main functions of these elements |
Carbon (C) | Directly influences the hardness and strength of the steel, decreases toughness. |
Chromium (Cr) | Improves Hardenability, high temperature strength, wear resistance and even Corrosion resistance (Cr>14%) |
Cobalt (Co) | Improves retention of hardness at high temperatures. |
Molybdenum (Mo) | Increases yield point and strength, improves Hardenability and wear resistance. |
Manganese | Lowers effects of iron sulphides, increase hardenability, wear resistance. |
Nickel (Ni) | Increases toughness at lower temperatures, slow the corrosion process. |
Tungston (W) | Improves toughness, grainstructure, high temperature strength, wear resistance, ect. |
Vanadium (V) | Increases wear resistance, high temperature strength, retention of hardness etc. |
Silicon (Si) | It is a deoxidizing agent. Increases strength and wear resistance. |
It is of importance that certain elements are as low as possible. Elements like Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Sulphur create defects inside & also reduce the mechanical properties of steel.