Factors Affecting Corrosion Resistance of Pawder Metal (P/M) Stainless Steels

摘要

Achievement of good corrosion resistance in P/M stainless steels requires careful processing, starting with avoidance of powder contamination, efficient delubrication, to sintering under conditions which minimize the formation of oxides, carbides and nitrides. Sintering is the single most critical step in this regard. Inadequate control of process parameters can cause drastic reductions in corrosion resistance. Higher alloyed grades of P/M stainless steel not only exhibit superior corrosion resistance, but also are more 'forgiving' towards marginal sintering conditions. Properly processed high alloy P/M stainless steel parts can achieve corrosion resistance equal to that of wrought 316L. This paper identifies critical processing parameters and explains their significance to the corrosion resistance of P/M stainless steels.