Duplex Stainless Steels: Properties, Fabrication and Applications

Duplex stainless steel are extremely corrosion resistant, work hardenable alloys. Their microstructures consist of a mixture of austenite and ferrite phases. As a result, duplex stainless steels display properties characteristic of both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels.

Stainless Steel Grades Explained

This combination of properties can mean some compromise when compared with pure austenitic and pure ferritic grades. Duplex stainless steel are in most cases, tougher than ferritic stainless steel. Strengths of duplex stainless steels can in some cases be double that for austenitic stainless steels.

Whilst duplex stainless steel are considered resistant to stress corrosion cracking, they are not as resistant to this form of attack as ferritic stainless steel. However, the corrosion resistance of the least resistant Duplex stainless steel is greater than that for the most commonly used grades of stainless steel, i.e. 304 and 316.

Duplex stainless steel are also magnetic, a property that can be used to easily differentiate them from common austenitic grades of stainless.

ASTM A240/A240M

Property data given in this document is typical for bar products covered by EN 10088-3:2005. ASTM, EN or other standards may cover products sold. It is reasonable to expect specifications in these standards to be similar but not necessarily identical to those given in this datasheet.

Alloy Designations

Due to excellent corrosion resistance and high strength, the most widely used duplex stainless steel is 2205. The name 2205 comes from a typical composition of 22% Chromium and 5% Nickel. Other designations for 2205 are given in the table below.

UR52N+ is a popular “super duplex” grade that has high strength and exceptional corrosion resistance. This grade differs in composition to 2205 stainless steel in that it contains an addition of copper. This gives greatly improved resistance to hot chlorides and strong reducing acids, like sulphuric acid.

UR52N+ is the widely used registered trade name of the Usinor group. Other designations it is known by are given in the table below.

There are many other duplex stainless steel most of which are proprietary grades developed and produced by individual manufacturers.

Table 1. Some standard designations for duplex stainless steel alloys

Euronorm

UNS

BS

En

Grade

1.4462

S31803
S32205

318S13

-

2205

1.4507

S32520
S32550

-

-

UR52N+

 

Chemical Composition of Duplex stainless steel

Table 2. Typical chemical composition for two duplex stainless steel alloys

%

2205

UR52N+

C

0-0.03

0.03 max

Mn

2.0

1.5

Si

1.0

0.8

P

0-0.03

0.035

S

0-0.02

0.02

Cr

21-23

24-26

Mo

2.5-3.5

3.0-5.0

Ni

4.5-6.5

5.5-8.0

N

0.08-0.2

0.2-0.35

Cu

-

0.5-3.0

 

Properties of Duplex stainless steel

Mechanical Properties of Duplex stainless steel

Table 3. Typical mechanical properties of two duplex stainless steel alloys

Grade

2205

UR52N+

Tensile Strength (MPa)

620

770

Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa)

450

550

Elongation A5 (%)

25

25

 

Physical Properties of Duplex stainless steel

Table 4. Typical physical properties of two duplex stainless steel alloys

Property

2205

UR52N+

Density (g.cm3)

7.805

7.810

Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)

200

205

Electrical Resistivity (Ω.m)

0.85 x 10-6

0.85 x 10-6

Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K)

19 at 100 °C

17 at 100 °C

Thermal Expansion (m/m.K)

13.7 x 10-6 to 100 °C

13.5 x 10-6 to 200 °C

 

Corrosion Resistance of Duplex stainless steel

Duplex stainless steel are extremely corrosion resistant. They have high resistance to intergranular corrosion. Even in chloride and sulphide environments, Duplex stainless steel exhibit very high resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

The super duplex grades are even more resistant to corrosion.

Heat Resistance of Duplex stainless steel

The high chromium content of Duplex stainless steel that p rotects against corrosion, causes embrittlement at temperatures over about 300°C.

At low temperatures duplex stainless steels have better ductility than the ferritic and martensitic grades. Duplex grades can readily be used down to at least -50°C.

Fabrication of Duplex stainless steel

Fabrication of all stainless steel should be done only with tools dedicated to stainless steel materials. Tooling and work surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before use. These precautions are necessary to avoid cross contamination of stainless steel by easily corroded metals that may discolour the surface of the fabricated product.

Heat Treatment of Duplex stainless steel

Duplex stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment. They can however be work hardened.

Solution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to around 1100°C.

Machinability

Although machinable, the high strengths of Duplex stainless steel makes machining difficult. As an example, machining of 2205 is around 20% slower than for 304.

Machining can be enhanced by using the following rules:

  • Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull edges cause excess work hardening.
  • Cuts should be light but deep enough to prevent work hardening by riding on the surface of the material.
  • Chip breakers should be employed to assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of the work
  • Low thermal conductivity of austenitic alloys results in heat concentrating at the cutting edges. This means coolants and lubricants are necessary and must be used in large quantities.

Welding of Duplex stainless steel

Duplex stainless steel have good weldability. All standard welding processes can be used. They are not quite as easily welded as the austenitic grades but low thermal expansion in duplex grades reduces distortion and residual stresses after welding. The recommended filler material for 2205 stainless steel is 2209.

Applications of Duplex stainless steel

Duplex stainless steel are typically used in:

  • Chemical processing, transport and storage
  • Oil and gas exploration and offshore rigs
  • Oil and gas refining
  • Marine environments
  • Pollution control equipment
  • Pulp & paper manufacturing
  • Chemical process plant

Supplied Forms

Aalco typically supplies 2205 duplex stainless steel in the following forms:

  • Fittings & Flanges
  • Pipe
  • Plate
  • Sheet
  • Tube
  • Bar

DISCLAIMER

This Data is indicative only and must not be seen as a substitute for the full specification from which it is drawn. In particular, the mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. The information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. However, no liability will be accepted by the Company is respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.

As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose.

Any advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without liability on the part of the Company. Any contract between the Company and a customer will be subject to the company’s Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company’s liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available on request.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.

For more information on this source, please visit Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.

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Comments

  1. Ronald Klueh Ronald Klueh United States says:

    Are these steels capable of use at elevated temperatures like 316 and 304?

  2. Ronald Klueh Ronald Klueh United States says:

    Are these steels capable of use at elevated temperatures like 316 and 304?

  3. IONEL PREDA IONEL PREDA Romania says:

    IT IS POSSILE TO WELD THIS (BUT JOINT AND FILET WELD) WITH USUAL STEEL FOR SHIPBUILDING (A,B.D,E, AH32, DH32,EH32, AH36, DH36, EH36 AN SO ONE, RECOGNIZED BY MOST OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY)

  4. Waqas Naseer Waqas Naseer Islamic Republic of Pakistan says:

    hello. !
    Any one may please inform me that which one is better  "centrifugal pump impeller material" used in "sewage Application"
    i).Titanum     or
    ii).Duplex stain less steel
    I will be highly thankful.

    • satish omalur satish omalur India says:

      considering sewage application it is appropriate to choose duplex stainless steel, on the other hand, titanium is recommended only for chemical applications.
      PS:titanium is expensive.

  5. Ahmad Altaf Ahmad Altaf Islamic Republic of Pakistan says:

    how much composition can vary from the standard composition. Steel with 18% Cr (other content alike) can still be named as duplex 2205?

  6. Michael Lishman Michael Lishman United Kingdom says:

    which of the two has a stronger magnetic pull, duplex or super duplex?

  7. rizwan salema rizwan salema India says:

    Please inform for centrifugal pump 60 mm shaft in SS 410 shaft broken, so help for hi tensile strength material selection for shaft

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of AZoM.com.

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