Effect of Alloying element in steels

Alloys Solid Solubility Influence on Influence on Influence Exerted Principal Function

Ferrite Austenite through carbide
In Gama Iron In Alpha (Harden Carbide Action
Iron ability) forming during
tendency Tempering
Al 1.1% (increase by C) 36% Hardens Increase mildly Negative - Deoxidise
considerably (Graphitis efficiently, restrict
increase by er) grain growth by
solid solution forming dispersed
oxides or nitride,
alloying element in
nitriding steel.
Cr 12.8% (20% with Unlimited Hardens Increase mildly Greater Mildly resist Add strength at high
0.5% C) slightly, than Mn softening temperature, resist
increase C.R less than abrasion & wear.
& OR. W
Co Unlimited 75% Hardens Decreases Same as Sustain Contribute to red
considerably Fe hardness by hardness by
increase by solid hardening ferrite
solid solution solution
Mn Unlimited 3% Hardens Increase mildly Greater - Contribute
markedly, than Fe brittleness from
reduces less than sulphur, raise
plasticity Cr Hbility
Mo 3% (8% with 0.3% C) 37.5% Provide age Increase Strong, Oppose Raise grain
(Less with hardening strongly Greater softening by coarsening temp. Of
lower system in high (Mo > Cr) than Cr secondary Aust. Deepens
temp.) Mo-Fe alloy hardening hardening,
counteract tendency
towards temper
brittlement, raises
hot & red hardness,
creep strength, raise
CR in SS, forms
abrasion rest
particles.
Ni Unlimited 10% Strengthen & Increases but Negative - Strengthen
(irrespectiv Toughens by tend to retained (Graphitis unquenched or
e of %C) solid solution) Austenite with er) Annealed steel,
higher carbon toughens perlitic-
ferritic steels.
P 0.5% 2.8% Hardens Increases Nil - Strengthen low
(irrespectiv strongly by carbon steel, raise
e of %C) solid solution CR, improve m/c in
free cutting steel
Si 2% (9% with 0.35% 18.5% Hardens with Increases Negative Sustain Deoxidise
C) loss of (Graphitiz hardness by efficiently, alloying
plasticity er) solid element for
(Mn < Si < P) solution magnetic &
electrical steel,
Strengthen low alloy
steel, Increase OR.
Ti 0.75% (8% with 6% (Less Provide age Probably Greatest Persistent Fixes carbon in inert
0.20% C) with lower hardening Increase (2%Ti carbide particles which
temp.) system in high strongly but renders probably reduces martensitic
Ti-Fe alloy carbide effect 0.50%Cor unaffected. hardness medium
reduces it bon steel Some chromium steel also
unhardene secondary prevent formation of
d. hardening Aust. In high
chromium steel
W 6% (11% with 0.25% 33% (Less Provide age Increase strong Oppose Forms hard &
C) with lower haedning strongly softening by abrasion rest.
temp.) system in high secondary Particles in tool
W-Fe alloy hardening steels, promotes
hardness & strength
at elevated temp.
 Effect of Alloying element in steels

V 1% (4% with 0.20% Unlimited Hardens Increase Very Max. For Elevates coarsening
C) strongly by strongly strong secondary temp. Of Aust.
solid solution (V<Ti or hardening Promotes fine grain,
Co) resist tempering.

NO. Alloying Property/ Purpose in steels

element
1 Ni Toughness
2 Mg mach inability
3 Cr Corrosion resistant
4 Si Harden ability, formability
5 Pb Free cutting action
6 Mn Harden ability
7 Co,W,V High temperature strength
8 Ti, Cr Abrasion resistant
9 Al De-oxidant, toughness
10 C Hardness & strength