What is the function of alloying elements in tool steels?

Question: List the main reasons for adding alloying elements to tool steels, and briefly describe their effects on the properties of those steels. Answer: The main reasons for adding alloying elements to tool steels are to enhance their hardness, wear resistance, toughness, hot hardness, corrosion resistance, and grindability. These alloying elements, such as carbon, chromium, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, nickel, manganese, and sulfur, improve properties like forming complex carbide structures, increasing strength at elevated temperatures, improving fracture resistance, forming a passive oxide layer for corrosion protection, or enhancing the ease of grinding and machining. Consequently, these elements result in tools that are more durable, reliable, and efficient in various applications.