Understanding the element composition of common steel alloys can help engineers, manufacturers, and product designers select the right materials to meet specific application requirements, ensure quality, optimize production processes, and enhance performance in particular environments. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions in product development, construction, and manufacturing processes. Now, let’s review the element content of common grades of carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and other materials.
What is Alloy Composion?
The element composition of an alloy refers to the relative proportion or percentage of various chemical elements that make up the alloy material. The content of these elements directly influences the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the alloy. For example, steel is an alloy composed of iron and a certain proportion of carbon, and the carbon content in steel affects its hardness, strength, ductility, and other properties.
Alloys typically consist of a base metal and added alloying elements. The base metal is the primary component of the alloy, while the alloying elements are used to enhance the material’s properties, such as increasing strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance.
Carbon Steel Grades and Composition:
Carbon steel is a type of steel where the main alloying element is carbon. Depending on the carbon content, carbon steels are classified into three primary categories: low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel. Below is an overview of common carbon steel grades and their composition, which are typically used in structural and manufacturing applications.
| Grade | Carbon (C%) | Manganese (Mn%) | Silicon (Si%) | Phosphorus (P%) | Sulfur (S%) | Iron (Fe%) | Other Elements |
| A36 | 0.26 max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.40 max | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| A572 Gr 50 | 0.23 max | 1.35-1.65 | 0.40 max | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| A283 Gr C | 0.26 max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.30 max | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| A105 | 0.35 max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.30 max | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| A106 Gr B | 0.30-0.35 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.30 max | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| A53 Gr B | 0.30 max | 0.30-0.60 | 0.10-0.30 | 0.05 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| A500 | 0.26 max | 0.60-1.65 | 0.40 max | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| A513 | 0.30 max | 0.60-0.90 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 1018 | 0.18-0.23 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 1045 | 0.43-0.50 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 1060 | 0.58-0.64 | 0.30-0.60 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 1095 | 0.90-1.03 | 0.30-0.50 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 1117 | 0.13-0.20 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 1215 | 0.12-0.18 | 0.50-1.20 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 15B30 | 0.28-0.35 | 0.50-0.80 | 0.20-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | – |
| 4130 | 0.28-0.33 | 0.40-0.60 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | Cr 0.80-1.10, Mo 0.15-0.25 |
| 4140 | 0.38-0.43 | 0.75-1.00 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | Cr 0.80-1.10, Mo 0.15-0.25 |
| 4150 | 0.48-0.55 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | Cr 0.80-1.10, Mo 0.15-0.25 |
| 4340 | 0.38-0.43 | 0.60-0.80 | 0.15-0.30 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | Cr 0.70-0.90, Ni 1.65-2.00 |
| 5160 | 0.56-0.64 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.20-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | Cr 0.70-0.90, Mo 0.15-0.25 |
| 52100 | 0.98-1.10 | 0.25-0.45 | 0.10-0.35 | 0.04 max | 0.05 max | Balance | Cr 1.30-1.60, Mo 0.15-0.25 |
Classification of Carbon Steel:
1. Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel)
Carbon Content: Typically 0.05% to 0.25%.
Characteristics: Soft, ductile, easy to weld, and form. Used for general construction and automotive body parts.
Common Grades: A36, 1018, A53, A105.
2. Medium Carbon Steel
Carbon Content: Typically 0.25% to 0.60%.
Characteristics: Offers a good balance of strength and ductility, making it suitable for structural applications.
Common Grades: A572 Gr 50, 1045, 4130, 4140.
3. High Carbon Steel
Carbon Content: Typically 0.60% to 1.00% and above.
Characteristics: Very strong, hard, but less ductile and difficult to weld. It’s used in tools and machinery.
Common Grades: 1060, 1095, 52100.
4. Ultra-High Carbon Steel
Carbon Content: Typically above 1.00%.
Characteristics: Extremely hard and brittle, used for specialized tools, and can be heat treated for high wear resistance.
Common Grades: 1095.
Stainless Steel Grades and Composition:
Austenitic Stainless Steel Grades:
Austenitic stainless steels are primarily composed of iron, chromium, and nickel, and they offer excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, and formability.
| Grade | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | C (%) | Mn (%) | Si (%) | Mo (%) | Other Elements |
| 201 | 16-18 | 3.5-5.5 | ≤0.15 | 5-7 | 1 | – | – |
| 202 | 17-19 | 4-6 | ≤0.15 | 7-10 | 1 | – | – |
| 205 | 17-19 | 4-6 | ≤0.15 | 7-10 | 1 | – | – |
| 301 | 16-18 | 6-8 | ≤0.15 | 2-4 | 1 | – | – |
| 302 | 17-19 | 8-10 | ≤0.08 | 2-4 | 1 | – | – |
| 303 | 17-19 | 9-11 | ≤0.15 | 2-3 | 1 | – | – |
| 304 | 18-20 | 8-10 | ≤0.08 | 2 | 1 | – | – |
| 305 | 18-20 | 9-12 | ≤0.08 | 2-4 | 1 | – | – |
| 308 | 18-20 | 8-10 | ≤0.08 | 2-4 | 1 | – | – |
| 309 | 22-24 | 12-15 | ≤0.08 | 2-4 | 1 | – | – |
| 310 | 24-26 | 19-22 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | – | – |
| 314 | 24-26 | 19-22 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | – | – |
| 316 | 16-18 | 10-14 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | 2-3 | – |
| 317 | 18-20 | 10-13 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | 3-4 | – |
| 321 | 17-19 | 9-12 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | – | Ti 0.4-0.7% |
| 330 | 24-26 | 19-22 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | – | – |
| 347 | 17-19 | 9-13 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | – | Nb 10xC% |
| 348 | 17-19 | 9-13 | ≤0.08 | 2-3 | 1 | – | Ti 5xC% |
Ferritic Stainless Steel Grades:
Ferritic stainless steels are primarily composed of iron and chromium. They offer good oxidation resistance and are generally magnetic.
| Grade | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | C (%) | Mn (%) | Si (%) | Mo (%) | Other Elements |
| 409 | 10.5-11.75 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.08 | 0.5-1.0 | ≤1 | – | – |
| 430 | 16-18 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.12 | 1.0-1.5 | ≤1 | – | – |
| 434 | 17-19 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.08 | 1.0-2.0 | ≤1 | – | – |
| 439 | 17-19 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.08 | 1.0-2.0 | ≤1 | – | – |
| 444 | 18-20 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.08 | 1.0-2.0 | ≤1 | 2-3 | – |
Duplex Stainless Steel Grades:
Lean Duplex:
Lean duplex grades have lower nickel content than standard duplex, making them more economical while still providing good corrosion resistance.
| Grade | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | C (%) | Mn (%) | Si (%) | Mo (%) | Other Elements |
| 2205 | 22-23 | 4.5-6.5 | ≤0.03 | 1.5-2.5 | ≤1 | 3-5 | N 0.08-0.2% |
| 2304 | 23-25 | 4-6 | ≤0.03 | 1.5-2.5 | ≤1 | 0.5-1 | N 0.1-0.2% |
Standard Duplex:
Standard duplex steels offer a balanced combination of austenitic and ferritic microstructures, providing both good strength and excellent corrosion resistance.
| Grade | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | C (%) | Mn (%) | Si (%) | Mo (%) | Other Elements |
| 2507 | 25-26 | 6-8 | ≤0.03 | 1.5-2.5 | ≤1 | 4-6 | N 0.14-0.20% |
Super Duplex:
Super duplex steels are highly alloyed duplex steels with higher chromium and molybdenum contents, offering superior corrosion resistance, especially in aggressive environments like seawater.
| Grade | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | C (%) | Mn (%) | Si (%) | Mo (%) | Other Elements |
| LDX 2101 | 21-23 | 1.5-2.5 | ≤0.03 | 4.5-6 | ≤1 | 1.5-2 | N 0.2% |
Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel Grades:
Precipitation-hardening steels combine the benefits of martensitic stainless steel with enhanced hardness due to heat treatment.
| Grade | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | C (%) | Mn (%) | Si (%) | Mo (%) | Other Elements |
| 17-4 PH | 15-17 | 3-5 | 0.07 | 1-3 | ≤1 | 3-5 | Cu 3-5% |
| 13-8 Mo | 13-15 | 7-9 | 0.07 | 1-3 | ≤1 | 2-3 | Mo 2.0-3.5% |
| 15-5 PH | 14-16 | 3-5 | 0.07 | 1-3 | ≤ |
Hastelloy Grades and Composition:
Hastelloy is a trademarked name for a family of high-performance, corrosion-resistant alloys primarily made of nickel and used in extreme environments. These alloys are designed to withstand harsh conditions such as high temperatures, aggressive chemical exposure, and high stress. Some common Hastelloy grades include:
| Hastelloy Grade | Nickel (Ni) % | Molybdenum (Mo) % | Chromium (Cr) % | Iron (Fe) % | Tungsten (W) % | Cobalt (Co) % | Carbon (C) % | Silicon (Si) % | Manganese (Mn) % |
| C-276 (UNS N10276) | 57-63% | 15-17% | 14.5-16.5% | 4-7% | 3-4.5% | Max 2% | Max 0.01% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
| C-22 (UNS N06022) | 56-63% | 14.5-16.5% | 20-22% | 5% | 3-4% | Max 2% | Max 0.015% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
| B-2 (UNS N10665) | 61-70% | 28-31% | – | 3-6% | – | Max 2% | Max 0.02% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
| B-3 (UNS N10675) | 60-70% | 26-30% | 0.5-1.0% | Max 2.5% | – | – | Max 0.01% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
| C-2000 (UNS N06200) | 57-63% | 15-17% | 20-22% | 4-7% | 3-4% | Max 2% | Max 0.02% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
| X (UNS N06002) | 47-51% | 8-10% | 20-23% | 17-21% | – | 1.5-3% | Max 0.10% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
| G-30 (UNS N06030) | 50-60% | 28-32% | 12-15% | 6-9% | – | – | Max 0.02% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
| C-4 (UNS N06455) | 50-60% | 15-17% | 14-16% | 4-7% | – | – | Max 0.03% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% |
Monel Grades and Composition:
Monel alloys are a group of nickel-copper alloys that are known for their exceptional resistance to corrosion, particularly in marine and chemical environments. The primary alloying elements in Monel are nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu), but other elements such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), carbon (C), and silicon (Si) can also be present in various grades. Here are some of the most common Monel grades and their compositions:
| Monel Grade | Nickel (Ni) % | Copper (Cu) % | Iron (Fe) % | Manganese (Mn) % | Aluminum (Al) % | Titanium (Ti) % | Carbon (C) % | Silicon (Si) % | Sulfur (S) % |
| Monel 400 | 63-70% | 28-34% | Max 2.5% | Max 2% | – | – | Max 0.30% | Max 0.50% | Max 0.024% |
| Monel 405 | 63-70% | 28-34% | Max 2.5% | Max 2% | – | – | Max 0.30% | Max 0.50% | Max 0.024% |
| Monel K-500 | 63-70% | 27-33% | Max 2.5% | Max 1.5% | 2.3-3.15% | 0.35-0.85% | Max 0.25% | Max 0.50% | Max 0.024% |
| Monel 404 | 63-70% | 28-34% | Max 3% | Max 2% | – | – | Max 0.30% | Max 0.50% | Max 0.024% |
| Monel 500 | 63-70% | 27-33% | Max 2.5% | Max 1.5% | 2.3-3.1% | 0.35-0.85% | Max 0.25% | Max 0.50% | Max 0.024% |
Monel alloys are widely used for applications in marine, chemical, and aerospace industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and performance in extreme conditions. The grade choice depends on the required mechanical properties and environmental factors.
Incoloy Grades and Composition:
Incoloy is a trademarked name for a family of high-performance nickel-based alloys that are specifically designed to perform in high-temperature and corrosive environments. The alloys typically consist of nickel, iron, and chromium with varying amounts of other elements such as molybdenum, titanium, and aluminum. Below are some of the most common Incoloy grades:
| Grade | Nickel (Ni) % | Chromium (Cr) % | Iron (Fe) % | Molybdenum (Mo) % | Titanium (Ti) % | Copper (Cu) % | Aluminum (Al) % | Carbon (C) % |
| Incoloy 800 | 30-35% | 19-23% | Balance | Max 0.15% | 0.15-0.60% | – | Max 0.15% | Max 0.10% |
| Incoloy 800H | 30-35% | 19-23% | Balance | Max 0.15% | 0.60-1.20% | – | Max 0.15% | 0.05-0.15% |
| Incoloy 800HT | 30-35% | 19-23% | Balance | Max 0.15% | 0.60-1.20% | – | Max 0.15% | 0.05-0.15% |
| Incoloy 825 | 38-46% | 19-23% | Balance | 2.5-3.5% | 0.2-0.6% | 1.5-3.0% | Max 0.2% | Max 0.05% |
| Incoloy 909 | 45-50% | 19-23% | Balance | 2.0-2.5% | 0.6-1.0% | – | Max 0.5% | Max 0.03% |
| Incoloy 330 | 33-37% | 19-23% | Balance | Max 0.5% | 0.15-0.60% | – | Max 0.15% | Max 0.20% |
Inconel Grades and Composition:
Inconel is a trademarked name for a family of high-performance, nickel-chromium-based superalloys designed to withstand extreme environments, particularly high temperatures and corrosive environments. Below are some of the most commonly used Inconel grades:
| Inconel Grade | Nickel (Ni) % | Chromium (Cr) % | Iron (Fe) % | Molybdenum (Mo) % | Titanium (Ti) % | Niobium (Nb) % | Cobalt (Co) % | Carbon (C) % | Aluminum (Al) % | Silicon (Si) % |
| Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) | 72% | 14-17% | 6-10% | – | – | – | Max 1% | Max 0.15% | – | Max 0.5% |
| Inconel 625 (UNS N06625) | 58-70% | 20-23% | Max 5% | 8-10% | 0.4-1% | 3.15-4.15% | Max 2% | Max 0.10% | Max 0.4% | Max 0.08% |
| Inconel 718 (UNS N07718) | 50-55% | 17-21% | Balance | 2.8-3.3% | 0.65-1.15% | 4.75-5.5% | Max 1% | Max 0.08% | 0.2-0.8% | Max 0.5% |
| Inconel 600H (UNS N06600H) | 72-76% | 14-17% | 6-10% | – | – | – | Max 1% | 0.05-0.15% | – | Max 0.5% |
| Inconel 617 (UNS N06617) | 50-55% | 19-23% | Max 5% | 8-10% | 0.25-0.85% | – | 12-18% | Max 0.08% | Max 1% | Max 0.5% |
| Inconel 725 (UNS N07725) | 50-55% | 19-23% | Balance | 3-4% | 1.4-2.4% | – | Max 1% | Max 0.08% | 0.3-1% | Max 0.5% |
| Inconel X-750 (UNS N07750) | 70-75% | 15-17% | 5-9% | 0.9-1.6% | 0.25-0.85% | – | Max 1% | Max 0.08% | 0.3-1% | Max 0.5% |
Nickel 200/201 Composition:
| Grade | Nickel (Ni) % | Carbon (C) % | Iron (Fe) % | Copper (Cu) % | Manganese (Mn) % |
| Nickel 200 | 99.0% min | Max 0.15% | Max 0.40% | Max 0.50% | Max 0.35% |
| Nickel 201 | 99.0% min | Max 0.02% | Max 0.40% | Max 0.50% | Max 0.35% |
Both Nickel 200 and Nickel 201 are excellent materials for applications requiring high resistance to corrosion, especially in alkaline and acidic environments. Nickel 201, with its reduced carbon content, offers improved performance at higher temperatures and is used in more demanding environments compared to Nickel 200. Depending on the specific needs of the application—whether for food processing, electrical components, or high-temperature industrial uses—either grade can be an ideal choice.
CuNi Grades and Composition:
CuNi (Copper-Nickel) alloys are primarily composed of copper and nickel, and they are known for their excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and good mechanical properties. These alloys are widely used in marine, chemical, and industrial applications. The most common grades of CuNi alloys are defined by their nickel and copper content percentage, with additional elements like iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) added for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance.
| Grade | Copper (Cu) % | Nickel (Ni) % | Iron (Fe) % | Manganese (Mn) % | Other Elements |
| CuNi 90/10 | 90% | 10% | 1.0-1.5% | 0.5-1.0% | Small amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, zinc |
| CuNi 70/30 | 70% | 30% | 1.0-2.5% | 0.5-1.0% | Small amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, zinc |
| CuNi 60/40 | 60% | 40% | 1.5-3.0% | 1.0-2.0% | Small amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, zinc |
| CuNi 10/90 | 10% | 90% | 0.1-0.3% | 0.1-0.5% | Small amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, zinc |
CuNi alloys are a versatile family of materials with excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine and chemical environments. The specific choice of grade (90/10, 70/30, 60/40, or others) depends on the required properties such as strength, resistance to corrosion, and mechanical performance under specific environmental conditions.
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