AISI431 martensitic stainless steel: Mechanical properties at room temperature
AISI431 martensitic stainless steel (1Cr17Ni2) describe a family of corrosion-resistant alloys of iron-chromium-nickel, containing about 16-18% chromium and approximately 10-13% nickel. It is characterized by excellent resistance to a variety of corrosive media, combined with good formability and high temperature corrosion resistance. AISI431 martensitic stainless steel have been a popular material for use in structural applications such as buildings and bridges, as well as for manufacture of pressure vessels and pipes.
AISI431 martensitic stainless steel has a nominal composition of 16-18 wt% Cr, 8-9 wt% Ni, and 0.3 wt% C. It can be classified as a ferritic or martensitic stainless steel according to its metallurgical structure. The metallurgical structure of AISI431 steel is a combination of ferrite and martensite with a minor contribution from stabilized austenite. The presence of both ferrite and martensite gives AISI431 steel higher strength, higher hardness, and greater ductility than other stainless steel grades.
The mechanical properties of AISI431 martensitic stainless steel at room temperature depend on the rolling or forging of the steel. For example, at room temperature, rolled AISI431 martensitic stainless steel typically has a yield strength of 345 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 785 MPa and 10% elongation. The hardness of rolled AISI431 steel typically ranges from 65-72 HRC. If the material is forged, then the yield strength increases to 470 MPa with a corresponding ultimate tensile strength of 800 MPa, and a 10% elongation. The hardness of forged AISI431 is typically 75-80 HRC.
At elevated temperature up to 800 °C, AISI431 martensitic stainless steel exhibits an increase in yield strength and a decrease in ductility. At 800 °C, rolled AISI431 steel has an ultimate tensile strength of 640 MPa, yield strength of 390 MPa and elongation of 6 %. At this temperature, if AISI431 steel is forged its ultimate tensile strength increases to 720 MPa and yield strength to 590 MPa with an elongation of 5%.
Finally, AISI431 martensitic stainless steel exhibits superior resistance to a variety of corrosive media. The stainless steel alloy resists both organic and inorganic acids, as well as chlorides. At room temperature, AISI431 steel exhibits a corrosion resistance of Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) greater than 33. This means AISI431 is highly resistant to corrosion in a wide variety of environments and suitable for long-term exposure to corrosive media.
In conclusion, AISI431 martensitic stainless steel is an excellent option for a wide variety of applications, due to its superior mechanical properties, superior corrosion resistance and good formability. AISI431 steel exhibits excellent strength and ductility at room temperature and can be forged to increase strength and hardness. In addition, the high chromium content provides superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, making AISI431 an excellent choice for use in corrosive environments.