Effects of Cr Content on the Microstructure and Properties of 26Cr- 3.5Mo-2Ni and 29Cr-3.5Mo-2Ni Super Ferritic Stainless Steels

By using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, strength and hardness measurements, the microstructure, precipitation, mechanical properties, and corrosion resis- tance have been investigated for two super ferritic stainless steels, 26Cr-3.SMo-2Ni and 29Cr-3.5Mo- 2Ni, with the aim to consider the effect of Cr content. The results showed that with the addition of Cr content, the recrystallization temperature was increased; the precipitation of Laves and Sigma （o） phases was promoted and the mechanical properties of super ferritic stainless steel were modified. Further- more, the pitting corrosion resistance and corrosion resistance to H2SO4 of the two super ferritic stainless steels were improved. In addition, suitable annealing processing is a key factor to maintain integrated performance by optimizing microstructure and removing detrimental precipitation phases.