Sintered duplex stainless steels from premixes of 316L and 434L powders

Duplex austenite-ferrite stainless steels were prepared from the premixes o f 316L and 434L stainless steel atomized powders. Pronounced densification was observed after 1350 degreesC sintering in hydrogen. 316L-60w/o 434L ste el composition exhibited maximum transverse rupture strength, while 40 and 60w/o 434L containing compositions showed total immunity in 1N H2SO4, even after a exposure time of 360 h. Anodic polarization curves also suggest hig h-corrosion resistance of those two compositions. Magnetic coercivity decre ased with increase in sintering temperature while magnetic saturation follo ws the reverse trend. Wear resistance of the duplex stainless steels under sliding condition was in between the straight steels. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.