Deciphering Duplex Steel

By Anne Gilmore


Stainless duplex steel, or just, duplex steel is a form of metal made from the mixture of ferritic and austenitic stainless steel grains. It contains a microstructure with 2 phases, one being the austenitic phase (which has the micromolecular structure of nickel and chromium ), and the other being the ferritic phase (having the micromolecular structure of one hundred per cent chromium). nitrogen and molybdenum molecules are also added for improved metal strength.

These elements or properties grant the duplex steel a few advantages over other stainless steel metals such as plain ferritic and austenitic steel types.

This type of metal's first and most obvious advantage over other metals of its kind is the fact that it is considerably stronger, even two times as strong as ordinary austenitic or ferritic metals. And it is all due to its specific molecular structure and added nitrogen content.

And in terms of duplex steel's resistance to cracking and tensile stress, it is considerably more ductile than ferritic grade metal, although it's still a little lacking when compared to the superior ductile strength of austenitic grade steel.

This unique type of stainless steel is mostly used in pipings for various corrosive liquids and marine services, since it has another important attribute, and that is its ability to resist the corrosive effects of the different elements within a marine environment.

This stainless steel's outstanding performance against stress corrosion can be attributed to its one of a kind 2 phase structure, ferritic components, and increased chromium and molybdenum content. While its increased resistance to pitting corrosion is really a trait brought about by the combined strengths of molybdenum, nitrogen, and chromium.

Based on the needed anti-corrosive values, duplex steel can be produced in a variety of grades with varying alloy compositions, some examples of which are; standard duplex, lean duplex, super duplex, and hyper duplex.

From piping systems in sea water environments, to transport and passenger ships, to offshore oil rigs, as well as in the assembly of a luxury yacht, these distinct metals are regarded as the workhorse of metal works for the marine setting.




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