Effect of Carbon Element on Steel Properties

Effect of Carbon Element on Steel Properties

C (Carbon)

C is the main element after iron, which directly affects the strength, ductility, toughness and weldability of steel.

When the carbon content in the steel is below 0.8%, the strength and hardness of the steel increase with the increase of carbon content, while the plasticity and toughness decrease; but when the carbon content is above 1.0%, with the carbon content When the increase, the strength of the steel decreases.

As the carbon content increases, the weldability of the steel material deteriorates (the steel with a carbon content greater than 0.3%, the weldability decreases significantly), the cold brittleness and ageing sensitivity increase, and the atmospheric corrosion resistance decreases.