Vanadium

Element, chemical symbol V. A gray metal primarily used as an alloying agent for iron and steel and as a strengthener for titanium-based alloys. It imparts an even distribution of carbon, but requires the inclusion of other elements to develop this property to its fullest extent. Vanadium increases the toughness of medium and low carbon steels by its solid solution with the ferrite, and prevents brittleness in high carbon qualities. Frequently used in conjunction with chromium and manganese as an alloying agent, chrome-vanadium steels being used for springs, tools, etc. It is also a catalyst in sulfuric acid production.