The influence of residual and trace elements on hot shortness and high temperature embrittlement

Abstract

The problems of hot shortness and overheating have beset the metallurgist, forgemaster and smith for a surprisingly long time. In recent years the increase in electric steelmaking has emphasized the difficulties arising from the steady build up of residual elements which is the inexorable consequence of scrap recirculation. Although many of the early investigations considered the influence of individual trace elements on hot ductility, in practice such relatively simple situations seldom arise. More often than not it is the interaction between a combination of trace elements which has to be understood if their net influence on high temperature mechanical properties is to be evaluated. This survey of the present state of knowledge in this field therefore places particular emphasis on the need for an understanding of the interactions between trace elements