Matrix Reinforcement of Austenitic Stainless Steels by Addition of Hard- Phase Particulates

摘要

PM austenitic stainless steels are preferably processed via high temperature, hydrogen sintering route in the interest of preserving their corrosion resistance. As a result of the 100% hydrogen sintering, these materials do not develop high mechanical strengths. The high corrosion resistant austenitic PM stainless steels, such as 304L, 316L, and 310L hence are found to be inadequate for some demanding applications from the mechanical strength point of view. Reinforcement of the alloy matrix by particulates of a hard phase alloy is considered an avenue for enhancement of yield and tensile strengths of hydrogen sintered PM austenitic stainless steels. This study evaluates the beneficial effects of addition of particulates of HB 400, a hard phase alloy, on the mechanical properties of hydrogen sintered 316L. The study also examines the role of sintering temperature on mechanical property enhancement as well as the effect of particle size of HB 400 on the properties of the composite material.