How Phosphorous Affects Steel

The quick, easy answer is to reject the material and get new, however, this isn't always possible:

The additional phosphorous might add increased atmospheric corrosion resistance, however, it may be more prone to stress corrosion cracking because of the increased hardness.

In general phosphorous adds strength, but reduces ductility / makes the steel more brittle; in amounts less than 0.30% it has little effect on the weldability of low-carbon steel.

In your case, I would be cautious of the ductility/brittleness and definitely the Nil Ductility Tranformation temperature. Did you perform any impact testing? What will this steel be used for? At what lowest temperature?

One thing about high phosphorous (and sulphur) is that it makes the galvanisation thicker and looks like orange peel.

Can I get more input what will be the effect if I use the materal?

You will be liable for failure to use specified material. Lawsuit damages. loss of license.

If I reject the material.

Your project will be delayed and you will have properly held your suppliers accountable to the purchase order requirements and standard.

Why should I reject the material?

Because it does not meet the requirement s as specified.

Because you do not want to be comlicit.

Because if the material was shipped as compliant when the chemistry is out of spec, who knows what other parameters may be out of spec.

milo

Hi...you must specify application with such questions.

IS 2062 is just general purpose structural steel. Incase your application is for handrails, fences etc this issue really does not matter.

Anil Tiwari / Delhi

Yes, IS 2062 is generaly used for non pressure parts / non-code equipments / structural purposes.

If it is so, you can inform the client and use it. Nothing wrong in it.

The problem will be, most of the clients are not technicaly knowledgeable enough to appreciate this matter and accept the deviation !

K.Periasamy

General purpose steel procured from market is usually manufactured by rolling mills using billets made out of scrap steel.There is no really control on chemistry.The material is sold at lower price then the prime steel manufactured by major steel plants.It serves the purpose in general use with slight over design.

It is not be used for critical design or purpose.

Phosphorous can lead to corrosion problems, especially if welding or brazing are involved. The end use and environment should dictate the acceptability of increased phosphorous.