Improving the quality and service properties of corrosion-resistant austenitic steels

A method of obtaining ultralow carbon high-nitrogen austenitic corrosion-resistant steels by solid-phase decarburization and alloying with nitrogen (SPDAN) was developed. The method makes it possible to attain low carbon content and a high nitrogen concentration. Experimental batches of thin-walled pipes made from several SPDAN-obtained steels (01Kh22AN10, 01Kh22N10AM2, 01Kh22N6AM2, 01Kh17N14AM2, 01Kh18AN11, and 08Kh18N10T) were comparatively subjected to tensile, corrosion resistance, and endurance tests. Results were analyzed and it was established that the SPDAN technology, devised for the production of thin-walled rolled stock of austenitic corrosion resistant steels, ensures a high level of strength and corrosive properties and also of endurance of finished products. Under conditions of intense intercrystalline corrosion the steels have to contain a small amount of molybdenum and not less than 22% Cr.