Investigation of Nitrogen Containing Austenitic Stainless Steel

An important factor in solving the problem of stainless steel corrosion resistance is carbon concentration reduction. However, a decrease in carbon content of austenitic steels leads to a drop in level of their strength properties. Theoretically, nitrogen alloying can lead to a strength increase in all types of austenitic corrosion-resistant steels. Practically, nitrogen alloying is effectively only with low-carbon compositions. This work shows the effect of nitrogen on the mechanical properties of middle-alloying nitrogen, containing stainless steel, and a study of AISI 304L and pilot steel with different nitrogen content (from 0.16 to 0.30 wt. %). Nitrogen increases strength of steel, which is approximately 30-60% higher than for steel without nitrogen, but reduces technological plasticity. Pilot steels show high corrosion resistance and fine austenite grains.