Arsenic embrittlement factor

Physicochemical mechanism of action

Arsenic reacts with carbon in the molten phase to form arsenide. At high temperatures, this arsenide can affect the crystal structure of the steel and cause embrittlement.

Metallurgical relevance & risks in welding

An increased arsenic embrittlement factor can lead to grain coarsening and a loss of strength and toughness. This can lead to cracks, wear, and reduced service life of components in service.

Shop practice & action instructions

To minimize the effects of arsenic embrittlement factor, the melting process should be designed to reduce the time at high temperatures. This can be achieved through an optimized weld length or a faster cooling method.