Phosphorus effects on mechanical properties changes in type 316 Ti stainless steels

The influence of phosphorus has been investigated in the 600–800°C temperature range by examining the changes in hardness, tensile and fracture characteristics of type 316 Ti stainless steels, previously cold-worked or presolution-treated. A comparison of the results obtained from the different casts studied shows that the beneficial effects of phosphorus in the improvement of the mechanical characteristics is due to the fact that this element is conducive to abundant and fine nucleation of carbides, particularly that of the M23C6 chromium carbide.