11 elements in steel & What are they effects on steel properties.

1. Iron

Smelted from iron ore, iron is the main ingredient in steel. Think of it as the flour, or for the gluten-free folks, the coconut flour.

2. Carbon

Carbon is the main hardening agent in steel. The more carbon, the harder the steel. It also gives it more brittleness, so you have to walk the line in the amount of carbon added to complement the properties needed. Higher levels also require special welding procedures to produce a good weld.

3. Manganese

Also increases the hardness of steel. It helps stabilize austenite structure at lower temperatures also. 

4. Chromium 

This aids in hardening through heat treatment. It increases corrosion resistance and resistance to oxidation and high temperatures.

5. Phosphorous

Usually considered detrimental as it creates voids in steel, phosphorous increases strength and hardness, to a degree, at the expense of ductility. Although good for machining, it’s generally considered undesirable.

6. Sulfur

Sulfur is like getting eggshell in the mix, it’s an impurity. Unlike an eggshell, you can’t quite get it all out. It creates voids or minute inclusions in the steel, allowing for chips to break when machining. Fewer chips will adhere to the tooling too, improving machinability. Ductility and toughness will be lowered.

7. Nickel 

Another element to increase hardenability, it also helps with corrosion resistance, strength, and toughness.

8. Molybdenum

Molybdenum will improve corrosion resistance, strength, and hardness of the steel. 

9. Titanium

Reduces corrosion and grain structure in steel. 

10. Copper 

Can be used for corrosion resistance, but makes it hard to weld if there are high levels. 

11. Boron

Added in very small amounts, this element enhances heat treat response, meaning it helps improve strength and toughness. It can be used as a substitute for higher prices alloys.