How Does Carbon Content Affect Steel Properties?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rofique2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Carbon Steel
AI Thread Summary
Carbon content in steel typically ranges from 0.02% to 1.7%, with higher carbon levels increasing strength but also brittleness. The bonding of carbon with iron during production significantly influences the mechanical properties of steel. Different methods of carbon addition can lead to variations in steel properties, even with the same carbon content, due to differences in microstructure and phase distribution. Factors such as thermomechanical treatment and the presence of other alloying elements also play a crucial role in determining these properties. Understanding these interactions is essential for optimizing steel performance in various applications.
rofique2
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
The effect of carbon content on the Mechanical Properties of Steel?


Am I right in thinking carbon content is normally between 0.02% and 1.7% with more carbon making the steel stronger and more brittle?

I wanted to find out the basic chemistry behind this, Presumably it's to do with the way carbon bonds with the iron during production.

Is it therefore possible for steels of the same carbon content to have differing properties if the carbon is added in different ways?

:confused: Haven't studyed past GCSE Chemistry so no answer will be to simple.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
See this discussion - Carbon hardening agent in Iron and metal alloys
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=153150

It provides answers to some of the questions, and there are links to articles on steels.

Carbon forms carbides with Fe and other alloying elements, e.g. Cr, Nb, Ti, . . . .


Is it therefore possible for steels of the same carbon content to have differing properties if the carbon is added in different ways?
Yes - a lot has to do with the microstructure and distribution of carbon and phases of the Fe-C system, which are affected by thermomechanical treatment, as well as the various alloying elements.
 
So much to do with the interstitials voids (mostly carbon interstitials stuck inside the tetrahedral or octahedral voids in BCC or FCC structure) betw the Fe-atoms for properties variation.
 
I don't get how to argue it. i can prove: evolution is the ability to adapt, whether it's progression or regression from some point of view, so if evolution is not constant then animal generations couldn`t stay alive for a big amount of time because when climate is changing this generations die. but they dont. so evolution is constant. but its not an argument, right? how to fing arguments when i only prove it.. analytically, i guess it called that (this is indirectly related to biology, im...
Back
Top