Steels containing vanadium have a much finer grain
structure than steels of similar composition without
vanadium. It raises the temperature at which grain
coarsening sets in and increases hardenability where
it is in solution in the austenite prior to quenching. It
also lessens softening on tempering and confers
secondary hardness on high speed steels. Vanadium
is used in nitriding, heat resisting, tool and spring
steels in conjunction with other alloying elements.