High performance ferritic stainless steel
High performance ferritic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel containing a relatively high level of chromium and low levels of carbon. The term ferritic stainless steel is widely used as a generic term for this family of metals, which includes duplex and super duplex grades. High performance ferritic stainless steel is appreciated for its good corrosion resistance and resistance to stress corrosion cracking. It also has good ductility and impact resistance.
High performance ferritic stainless steel is well suited for use in a variety of metal applications in the food, chemical and petrochemical industries. In addition, owing to its attractive combination of properties, ferritic stainless steel is a popular choice for use in kitchenware, transportation and architectural applications.
High performance ferritic stainless steel refers to components having chromium in the range of 17 -22 %, with a low carbon content that ranges from 0.1- 0.2 %. In most cases, metals belonging to the ferritic family are non-magnetic.
The addition of one or more alloying elements such as molybdenum, titanium, niobium and nitrogen increases the corrosion resistance of stainless steels. By combining these elements with chrome, nickel and copper, these alloys are made to be very resistant to waters containing chlorides and to other corrosive environments.
Generally, these grades are subject to thermal treatment in order to improve their stability and toughen them up. High performance ferritic stainless steels can be strengthened by working the material or by cold-working it to produce a variety of shapes. These processes are relatively simple and cost-effective.
High performance ferritic stainless steel is a versatile material that can be used for many different applications. Its good corrosion resistance and ductility allow it to be used effectively in chemical, petrochemical and food processing plants. In addition, this material is also suitable for construction applications, such as dampers and siding, thanks to its superior strength, toughness and formability.
The performance of high performance ferritic stainless steel is additionally enhanced by its ability to resist stress corrosion cracking. This form of corrosion is created when loads act on the metal when exposed to a combination of water and an aggressive environment. This form of corrosion is dangerous and can result in costly repairs. By selecting high performance ferritic stainless steel, such damages can be avoided.
Finally, the increased strength and superior corrosion resistance of high performance ferritic stainless steel makes it an ideal material for a broad variety of applications in marine, construction and kitchenware products. This material is also widely used for transportation purposes and in architectural applications.
In conclusion, high performance ferritic stainless steel is a superior metal for many different applications, thanks to its good corrosion compatibility and ductility, as well as its resistance to stress corrosion cracking. This material is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of industries, including food processing, chemical, petrochemical and construction.
