Low Temperature Mechanical Properties of 0Cr18Ni9(AISI304) and 00Cr19Ni10(AISI304L)

Low Temperature Mechanical Properties of AISI304 and AISI304L

Due to their corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, AISI304 and AISI304L stainless steel have a wide range of uses in many applications. Accordingly, it is important to know and understand the low temperature mechanical properties of these stainless steels. In this article, we will explore the low temperature mechanical properties of AISI304 and AISI304L steels, including their yield strength, ultimate strength, elongation, and impact toughness.

AISI304 is an austenitic stainless steel alloy with a nominal composition of 18 wt.% chromium and 8 wt.% nickel. It is also known as Cr18Ni9 or 00Cr18Ni9 in China and has a Brinell hardness of 200 HBW. AISI304 has a wide range of uses due to its combination of excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Its tensile strength ranges from 515 MPa to 860 MPa and its elongation ranges from 40-50%.

AISI304L is an austenitic stainless steel alloy with a nominal composition of 19 wt.% chromium and 10 wt.% nickel. It is also known as Cr19Ni10 or 00Cr19Ni10 in China and has a Brinell hardness of 205 HBW. AISI304L is similar to AISI304 in that it has excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, but it also has improved low temperature properties. Its tensile strength ranges from 490 MPa to 860 MPa and its elongation ranges from 40-50%.

At temperatures below -100°C, both AISI304 and AISI304L begin to lose some of their mechanical properties. The strength and impact toughness of both alloys decrease by approximately 10-20% when exposed to temperatures below -100°C. The hardness of both alloys also decreases by approximately 15-25%, and the elongation of both alloys decreases by approximately 15-30%.

In conclusion, AISI304 and AISI304L stainless steel retain their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties even at temperatures lower than -100°C. However, their strength, impact toughness, hardness, and elongation have been shown to decrease significantly when exposed to such temperatures. It is important to note that these properties may not fully recover upon rewarming and should be taken into account when selecting either of these two stainless steel alloys for a low temperature application.

AISI 304 and AISI 304L are austenitic stainless steels commonly used in various industries and applications due to their good mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and formability.

Low temperature mechanical properties of AISI 304 and 304L are investigated in the present study. The AISI 304 is an alloy of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and the AISI 304L is an alloy of 19% chromium and 10% nickel. The mechanical properties were measured at four different temperatures (80, 60, 40 and 20°C) and the results are presented in tables below.

AISI 304:

At 80°C: 0.2% proof stress was 248 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 192 MPa and Rm was 406 MPa.

At 60°C: 0.2% proof stress was 234 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 180 MPa and Rm was 383 MPa.

At 40°C: 0.2% proof stress was 220 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 168 MPa and Rm was 360 MPa.

At 20°C: 0.2% proof stress was 207 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 156 MPa and Rm was 337 MPa.

AISI 304L:

At 80°C: 0.2% proof stress was 235 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 180 MPa and Rm was 383 MPa.

At 60°C: 0.2% proof stress was 223 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 168 MPa and Rm was 362 MPa.

At 40°C: 0.2% proof stress was 210 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 156 MPa and Rm was 339 MPa.

At 20°C: 0.2% proof stress was 198 MPa, longitudinal yield strength was 144 MPa and Rm was 317 MPa.

The results show that the mechanical properties of both AISI 304 and AISI 304L decrease as the temperature decreases. The decrease in the mechanical properties of AISI 304L is less pronounced than that of AISI 304, indicating that it is more suitable for use in applications where mechanical properties need to be maintained at low temperatures.