Which of the following is NOT typically a property improved by alloying steel?

When considering the properties typically improved by alloying steel, it's important to understand the roles that different alloying elements play. Strength, corrosion resistance, and hardness are commonly enhanced by the addition of various alloying elements such as carbon, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. These elements work by either forming solid solutions in the steel matrix or by creating secondary phases that contribute to the overall mechanical performance.

Magnetism, on the other hand, is largely influenced by the inherent properties of the base iron and the specific alloying elements used. While some alloys can be designed to have desirable magnetic properties, the process of alloying steel does not typically aim to enhance magnetism. In fact, certain alloying elements can actually reduce the magnetic permeability of steel. Therefore, while strength, corrosion resistance, and hardness are almost universally improved through careful alloying, magnetism remains relatively unchanged or even negatively impacted by the introduction of different alloying materials. This distinction makes magnetism the property that is not typically improved by alloying steel.