4. Effects on properties

The overall effect of microalloying elements on mechanical properties is the sum of the hardening effect of precipitates and structural modifications due to changes in grain size or other substructures; it is therefore necessary, for each property, to distinguish between the effect of precipitates (hardening, embrittlement...), the induced effect on microstructure, such as grain refinement, and the indirect effect of possible changes in the basic composition of the grade, such as a drop in carbon content.