Effects of processing and manufacturing of high nitrogen-containing stainless steels on their mechanical, corrosion and wear properties

The effects of N alloying through different processing and manufacturing routes on metallurgical, mechanical, corrosion and wear properties of high N-containing stainless steels have been studied. Nitrogen alloying has a well defined and marked improving effect on mechanical and corrosion properties of these steels until the solubility limit of N is reached and nitride precipitation exhibits its deleterious effects on these properties. It is also demonstrated that N alloying contributes significantly to sliding wear and cavitation erosion resistance of stainless steels. The processing and manufacturing technologies of high N-containing stainless steels are evaluated with main emphasis in P/M fabrication including solid-state nitriding of the metal powder. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.