Question

Describe the effects of adding Mn to steel and give a use for manganese-steel alloys.

Answer 1

Effects of adding Mn to steel :

1 . The effectiveness of Manganese in increasing mechanical properties depends on and is proportional to the carbon content of the steel.

2 . Manganese also plays an important role in decreasing the critical cooling rate during hardening. This means that manganese helps to increase the steel’s hardenability. It’s effect on hardenability is greater than that of any of the other commonly used alloying elements.

3 . Manganese is also an active deoxidizer, and is less likely to segregate than other elements.

4 . Manganese improves machinability, by combining with sulfur to form an soft inclusion in the steel that promotes a steady built up edge and a place for the chip to break.

5 . Manganese improves yield at the steel mill by combining with the sulfur in the steel, minimizing the formation of iron pyrite (iron sulfide) which can cause the steel to crack and tear during high temperature rolling.

use for manganese-steel alloys :

Mangalloy, also called manganese steel or Hadfield steel, is a steel alloy containing an average of around 13% manganese. Mangalloy is known for its high impact strength and resistance to abrasion once in its work-hardened state.

Mangalloy has been used in the

1 ) mining industry,

2) cement mixers, rock crushers,

3) railway switches and crossings,

4) crawler treads for tractors and other high impact and abrasive environments.

5) It is also used in high impact environments like inside a shot peening machine.

These alloys are finding new uses as cryogenic steels, due to their high strength at very low temperatures.