Steel - A Handbook for Materials Research and Engineering

This text describes the causal connections between microstructure, service properties and areas of application of all important steel grades. The properties of any material are determined by its microstructure and the chemical composition of its micro constituents. Steel is a metallic material characterized by the great number of microstructure types which can be systematically produced by alloying with many other elements, by hot and cold forming, and by heat treatment with a wide range of time-temperature characteristics. The service properties can be economically matched according to the intended processing and application purposes. This text, the first of two-volumes is intended for all producers and users of steel. Its sets out basic principles for steel research and development aimed at creating steel grades that combine new service properties.