"Hot shortness" in steel is typically caused by high content of which element?

"Hot shortness" in steel refers to a condition where the steel becomes brittle and loses ductility at elevated temperatures, which can lead to cracking during processes like forging or welding. This phenomenon is primarily associated with high sulfur content in the steel.

Sulfur acts as a hot shortness element because it forms low-melting-point compounds such as iron sulfides (FeS) when heated. These compounds can weaken the structure of the steel, leading to brittleness and increasing the risk of failure during processing.

Additionally, while carbon and phosphorus can influence the properties of steel, they do not specifically lead to "hot shortness" in the same manner as sulfur does. Iron is the primary component of steel and does not contribute to this specific condition. Understanding the role of sulfur is crucial for metallurgists and welders, as controlling sulfur content is important to prevent issues related to hot shortness and to ensure the integrity of the steel in various applications.