Through the addition of particular alloys, low-alloy steels possess precise chemical compositions and provide better mechanical properties than many conventional mild or carbon steels. These alloys typically comprise 1 to 5 percent of the steel’s content and are added based on their ability to provide a very specific attribute.
The addition of molybdenum improves material strength; nickel adds toughness; and chromium increases temperature strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Manganese and silicon, other common alloying elements, provide excellent deoxidizing capabilities.
