• 30.06.2022 11:27:33

Martensitic Stainless Steels

The martensitic stainless steels are similar to low alloy - high strength steels or carbon steels, with structures similar to ferritic steels.

Yet, due to the extra carbon addition it contains, it can be hardened by heat treatment like carbon steels and its strength can be increased. Basic alloying elements: 12% to 15% chromium, 0.2% to 1.0% molybdenum and 0.1% to 1.2% carbon. Excluding a few martensitic grades, it does not include nickel. Martensitic stainless steels, an example of a microstructure shown above, are magnetic. Depending on the increasing carbon ratio, their hardenability and strength increase, while their toughness and ductility decrease. Because of their high carbon content and other alloying elements, they can be hardened by heat treatment up to 60 HRC. Following heat treatment, which is called age hardening or tempering, following stress relieving, the optimum corrosion resistance is reached. Compared to ferritic and austenitic grades, the corrosion resistance property of martensitic grades is slightly lower. It has high machinability and formability properties. Based on the alloying elements they contain and their ratios, there may be a small amount of residual-austenite structure in their structures. The martensitic steels can be applied very successfully, especially in areas where strength and resistance to mechanical wear along with resistance to corrosion are wanted. It is also used as tool steel. Its field of application is very wide. Their structure is BCT.