3. Mechanical characteristics and their factors

3.1 Carbon and micrographic structure

The mechanical properties of a carbon steel are strongly influenced by its carbon content, resulting in variations in the proportion of micrographic constituents. This relationship can be deduced by consulting the diagram, especially when approaching the equilibrium state, also known as the annealed state.

In general, carbon content positively influences strength characteristics (such as hardness and fracture toughness), but decreases deformability, as illustrated in figure 7 . Thus, we observe a hardening effect of increasing carbon content.