Development Of A Dual-Phase Precipitation-Hardening Pm Stainless Steel

Stainless steels can now be fabricated by the pressing and sintering of water-atomized powder. PM grades embrace: ferritic, austenitic, martensitic, duplex (ferritic + austenitic), dual-phase (ferritic + martensitic), and precipitation hardening (martensitic). Development of dual-phase PM stainless steels reflects the growing need for higher strength, coupled with ductility and toughness. In the present study, a new low-cost PM stainless steel has been developed which combines the advantages of a dual-phase (ferrite + martensite) microstructure with precipitation hardening. Unlike other precipitation-hardening alloys, ductility and impact toughness increase significantly upon aging, notwithstanding attendant increases in hardness and strength. The mechanical properties of the new alloy are evaluated in terms of composition and microstructure.