The Chemical Composition of A588 Weathering Steel Plate

Weathering steel, sometimes referred to by the genericized trademark COR-TEN steel and sometimes written without the hyphen as corten steel, is a group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance after several years exposure to weather. The name “Weathering Steel” is also commonly used for other related alloys, including A588.

A588 is one of the weathering steel alloys. It is a grade of steel designed for various structural applications where high strength and low weight are important. As with all weathering steel alloys, A588’s chemical composition is of great importance. This paper will detail the chemical composition of A588 Weathering Steel and how it is important to the steel’s overall strength and corrosion resistance.

The chemical composition of A588 Weathering Steel Plate is made up of the following:

Iron: The main element present in A588 Weathering Steel Plate is iron. It is 93.5-98.5% in weight.

Carbon: Carbon is also present in A588 Weathering Steel Plate, but in lesser amounts. The amount of carbon present is 0.1-0.3% by weight.

Silicon: This element is also present in A588 Weathering Steel Plate, and its amount is 0.15-0.55% by weight.

Manganese: The amount of manganese present in A588 Weathering Steel Plate is 0.6-1.65% by weight.

Phosphorus: This is another element found in A588 Weathering Steel Plate, and its amount is also 0.06-0.2% by weight.

Sulfur: A588 Weathering Steel Plate also contains sulfur, but only in minor amounts. The amount of sulfur present is 0.012-0.04% by weight.

Chromium: This element is present in A588 Weathering Steel Plate in the amount of 0.1-0.5% by weight.

Nickel: Nickel is another element found in A588 Weathering Steel Plate, and its concentration is 0.25-0.55% by weight.

Copper: A588 Weathering Steel Plate also contains copper in the amount of 0.25-0.55% by weight.

Vanadium: This element is also present in A588 Weathering Steel Plate, and its concentration is 0.025-0.08% by weight.

Molybdenum: This element is also present in A588 Weathering Steel Plate in the amount of 0.25-0.55% by weight.

It is important to note that these elements and their concentration levels are all important to the steel’s overall strength and corrosion resistance. The amount of each element and its concentration in A588 Weathering Steel Plate gives the steel its specific properties. For instance, the high concentration of iron gives the steel its anti-corrosive properties, while the low concentration of carbon and silicon allows the steel to form a protective layer which can prevent rust from forming. Additionally, the presence of chromium and nickel give the steel increased strength and wear-resistance properties.