To reduce the susceptibility of the alloys to the precipitation of M6C, μphase, and Pphase, steps are taken during melting to minimize their carbon and silicon contents, silicon being a known promoter of intermetallic phases, such as μ. As to the effects of these second-phase precipitates on the properties of the C-type alloys, it is well known that the heterogeneous precipitates that occur at temperatures in excess of 650 °C (1200 °F) are detrimental to both corrosion resistance and material ductility. On the other hand, the homogeneous precipitation reaction that occurs at lower temperatures can be used to strengthen the C-type alloys while maintaining good ductility (Ref 14). Indeed, a Ni-Cr-Mo composition (C-22HS alloy) that can be strengthened by this mechanism in a short period of time (48 h) has been developed.