Manganese will increase hardness after addition to steel why?
Manganese increases the hardness of steel by forming a solid solution with carbon, which increases the hardness and strength of the steel. Additionally, manganese can also form carbides, which are extremely hard and wear-resistant, further contributing to the increased hardness of the steel.
Manganese also improves the hardenability of steel, which means that it allows the steel to be hardened to a greater depth. This is important in certain applications, such as in the construction of gears, crankshafts, and other parts that are subject to high stresses and need to be able to withstand heavy loads. Manganese also improves the toughness and ductility of steel, which means that it makes the steel less brittle and more resistant to cracking and breaking. Additionally, manganese can also improve the machinability of steel, making it easier to work with and shape into different forms. Overall, the addition of manganese to steel improves its overall mechanical properties, making it more suitable for a wide range of applications.
Another important role of manganese in steel is its ability to act as a deoxidizer. When steel is produced, oxygen is often present in the form of oxides, which can negatively impact the quality of the steel. Manganese can react with these oxides, effectively removing them and reducing the amount of oxygen present in the steel. This improves the purity and consistency of the steel, making it more reliable and suitable for high-performance applications.
Manganese is also a key element for producing austenitic stainless steel, which is a type of steel that is highly resistant to corrosion and rust. Austenitic stainless steel contains at least 10.5% manganese, which allows it to form a protective oxide layer on its surface that prevents rust and corrosion. This makes it an ideal material for use in environments where the steel will be exposed to water, salt, or other corrosive substances.
In summary, the addition of manganese to steel improves the hardness, hardenability, toughness, ductility, machinability and also acts as a deoxidizer, making it more suitable for a wide range of applications. Its also plays a key role in production of austenitic stainless steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion.