In general, an increase in carbon content produces higher ultimate strength and hardness but lowers
ductility and toughness of steel alloys. Carbon also increases air-hardening tendencies and weld
hardness, especially in the presence of chromium. In low-alloy steel for high-temperature applications,
the carbon content is usually restricted to a maximum of about 0.15% in order to assure optimum
ductility for welding, expanding, and bending operations. To minimize intergranular corro¬sion caused
by carbide precipitation, the carbon content of austenitic (18-8 type) alloys is limited in commercial
specifications to a maximum of 0.08%, or even less, i.e. 0.03% in the extremely low-carbon grades used
in certain corrosion-resistant applications.
In plain carbon steels in the normalised condition, the resistance to creep at temperatures below 440°C
appears to increase with carbon content up to 0.4% carbon, at higher temperatures there is
but little variation of creep properties with carbon content.
An increase in carbon content lessens the thermal and electrical conductivities of steel and increases its
hardness on quenching.