Super Duplex Stainless Steel S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5
Super Duplex Stainless Steel S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 is a Super Duplex type stainless steel composed of 20% chromium, 11% nickel, 3,5% molybdenum, 4,5% copper and 0,2% nitrogen additions. It combines higher strength, compared to austenitic stainless alloys, with a useful combination of good corrosion properties in seawater and a wide range of industrial applications.
Chemical Composition
C Si Mn P S Cr Ni Mo N Cu 0.03 0.7-1.2 0.6-1.0 ≤0.040 ≤0.030 20 18-20 3.2-4.2 0.2 3.3-3.7
Mechanical Properties
Ultimate Tensile Strength, MPa Yield Strength, MPa Elongation, % Hardness, HB 780-1400 ≥600 ≥25 ≤275
Texture
S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 belongs to the duplex family, which means its microstructure contains ferrite and austenite phases evenly distributed. Its ferrite content is about 54%-62%, and austenite content is around 36%-46%.
Corrosion Resistance
S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in seawater, primarily due to the high chromium and nitrogen contents. The Duplex microstructure provides good resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In industrial/seawater applications, S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 resists pitting and crevice corrosion.
Applications
Super duplex S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 can be used in a wide range of industrial applications. It is widely used in heat exchangers, pumps, valves, marine equipment and easy to machine parts. It is also used in paper and kraft pulp production, chemical and petrochemical industries and in the power industry, especially in supercritical power plants, where high strength and excellent corrosion resistance of this alloy are essential.
Machining
S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 is a hard and difficult-to-machine material with a high work hardening rate. The cutting speed should be reduced and sufficient feeds and depths should be used when machining this alloy. The correct choice of cutting tools and tool coatings, as well as the correct cutting parameters, are important to ensure good surface quality and longer tool life.
Welding
S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 can be welded with all the methods used for austenitic steel, but with some changes due to this alloys higher strength, which can decrease its weldability. In most cases, filler metal matching the alloy is used, but alloys with lower content of Cr, Ni and Mo or austenitic stainless steels such as 316L, can also be used. Pre-heating is not required unless joining thick sections (> 25mm), and post-weld heat treatment is not necessary unless hot cracking is observed.
Conclusion
Super Duplex Stainless Steel S31848 0Cr18Ni16Mo5 is a Super Duplex type stainless steel combining excellent mechanical properties, high strength, good corrosion resistance in seawater and offers a wide range of industrial applications. It is not a difficult-to-machine material, but machining operations require the right cutting tools and cutting parameters, as well as the right choice of tool coatings and filler metals.