Effect of alloying metals in steel

 To provide higher hardness at high temp. (Mo,Cr, V,W)

 To provide higher strength at elevated temp.(Mn,Ni,Si,C,Cr,Mo)
 To inhibit grain growth in austrenitic during heat treatment. (V,Al)
 To provide corrosion resistance(Ni,Cr)
 To provide additional hard abrasive particles to improve wear
resistance(V,Mo, Cr,W)
 To combine with the Oxygen to prevent blow holes.( Si,Al,Ti)
 To combine with S which otherwise causes brittleness.( Mn).
 To improve machining Properties.( S,P,Pb).

Effect of individual elements

 Nickle: It Strengthens & toughens the ferrite phase. It
imparts elasticity, hardness & fatigue resistance to
steel.If carbon content is low, 3% nickle is sufficient to
make steel tough, if Ni is too much, martensite wil be
formed rapidly making steel too brittle & hard.