The behavior of steel is governed by the iron-carbon system, which features several distinct crystalline structures (phases) depending on temperature: Ferrite (
Chromium (CAS 7440-47-3) is a steel-grey metal that exists as: Alloy steel
Material selection requires matching the steel's properties to the stresses it will encounter during its service life. Mechanical Properties The behavior of steel is governed by the
Decreases brittleness, improves hot forgeability, and increases hardenability.
Austenite has a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, which contains larger interstitial spaces. At high temperatures (around 1,150°C), up to 2 percent carbon can dissolve into the austenite lattice. This phase is the starting point for most heat treatment processes. At high temperatures (around 1,150°C), up to 2
To ensure uniformity and safety across global industries, international standard organizations have established classification systems for steel grades. Unified Numbering System (UNS) and SAE/AISI
Rapid cooling (in water, oil, or brine) from the austenitic phase. This prevents the formation of pearlite and traps carbon to form hard martensite. Unified Numbering System (UNS) and SAE/AISI Rapid cooling
: Key characteristics include yield strength (stress at which permanent deformation begins), ultimate tensile strength (maximum stress capacity), ductility (capacity for plastic deformation), and toughness (resistance to fracture).
The capacity of the steel to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing, often evaluated using the Charpy V-Notch impact test.