RE: Vanadium22 Feb 2015 18:55
Like titanium and niobium, vanadium can produce stable carbides that increase strength at high temperatures. By promoting a fine grain structure, ductility can be retained. Vanadium is by far the most used element to improve wear resistance in tool steels, providing increased strength per weight basis. A general trend in steel use has been a move from basic carbon steels towards highly specified alloyed steels. High strength low alloy steels (HSLA) are the largest market for Vanadium in the steel industry totalling 48% of the global demand for vanadium. HSLA steels account for approximately 40% of global steel demand and are consumed in a wide range of end products, including, the transport, construction and energy sectors where high strength and low cost are essential requirements. HSLA consist of carbon steel, manganese and small amounts of other alloying elements that increase weldability and greater resistance to atmospheric corrosion, abrasion and seismic events. Vanadium HSLA can be produced in many different product forms such as sheet, plate, sections and bar.