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Phosphorus

(Chemical symbol P) Element No. 15 of the periodic system; atomic weight 30.98. Non metallic element occurring in at least three allotropic forms; melting point 111 (degrees) F.; boiling point 536 (degrees) F.; specific gravity 1.82. In steels it is usually undesirable with limits set in most specifications. However, it is specified as an alloy in steel to prevent the sticking of light gage sheets; to a degree it strengthens low carbon steel; increases resistance to corrosion, and improves machinability in free cutting steels. In the manufacture of Phosphor Bronze it is used as a deoxidizing agent.