What is a key property of high carbon steel?

High carbon steel is characterized by its increased carbon content, which typically ranges from 0.6% to 1.4%. This higher carbon percentage enhances the hardness and strength of the steel, making it suitable for applications requiring durability and the ability to withstand significant stress. However, this strength comes with a trade-off; high carbon steel tends to be more brittle than lower carbon steel or other alloys. This brittleness means that while the material can endure heavy loads, it is also more susceptible to cracking or breaking under sudden impacts or excessive strain.

In contrast, the other properties mentioned in the other options do not accurately describe high carbon steel. Being flexible and soft or ductile and malleable is more characteristic of lower carbon steels or steels alloyed with more malleable elements. Additionally, while some steels have corrosion-resistant properties, high carbon steel generally lacks adequate resistance to oxidation and rust, making it less suitable for environments where corrosion is a concern. Thus, the description of high carbon steel as strong but brittle encapsulates its essential mechanical characteristics effectively.