Temper embrittlement is a brittle condition that develops in low alloy steels when exposed to prolonged service temperature ranges.

Temper embrittlement is a brittle condition that develops in low alloy steels when exposed to prolonged service temperature ranges.

• A. Brittle condition that develops when steels are heated rapidly
• B. Temper embrittlement is a brittle condition that develops in low alloy steels exposed to prolonged service temperature ranges
• C. It increases ductility with time
• D. It only occurs in stainless steels

Answer: (B)

Temper embrittlement is a time-dependent loss of toughness that happens when steel is held at moderately high temperatures for long periods. In low alloy steels, impurities such as phosphorus, tin, and antimony can migrate to grain boundaries during this exposure, weakening those boundaries and lowering impact strength. Because of this, the material becomes brittle with prolonged service temperatures, not because of rapid heating or any increase in ductility. It’s not limited to stainless steels; the classic case involves low alloy steels. So the statement correctly describes temper embrittlement as a brittle condition that develops in low alloy steels under prolonged service temperatures.

Temper embrittlement is a time-dependent loss of toughness that happens when steel is held at moderately high temperatures for long periods. In low alloy steels, impurities such as phosphorus, tin, and antimony can migrate to grain boundaries during this exposure, weakening those boundaries and lowering impact strength. Because of this, the material becomes brittle with prolonged service temperatures, not because of rapid heating or any increase in ductility. It’s not limited to stainless steels; the classic case involves low alloy steels. So the statement correctly describes temper embrittlement as a brittle condition that develops in low alloy steels under prolonged service temperatures.