Applications requiring high strength stainless steels are growing rapidly. Typical alloys used for these applications are either highly alloyed materials such as 17-4PH, or materials that require a secondary heat treatment such as SS-410HT. A new powder metallurgy (P/M) dual-phase stainless steel has been developed as a lower cost option to existing alloys. The microstructure of the dual-phase stainless steel consists of a mixture of ferrite and martensite, the proportions of which are dictated by the chemical composition of the alloy. This unique microstructure results in high strength and hardness, while maintaining ductility. The mechanical properties of this new alloy are compared with those of competing materials such as 17-4PH, SS-409LE and SS-410HT. Potential applications for this new material are reviewed. One cost effective dual-phase composition has been identified which provides high strength, in combination with moderate corrosion resistance.
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