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The Basics of Ferrous Metallurgy

102 Articles

9–12% Chromium Steels: Part One

This article traces the historical development of heat-resistant ferritic-martensitic 9-12% chromium steels from their accidental discovery in the early 1900s to their advanced applications in the late 20th century. Two significant events drove their evolution: the 1950s development of thermal power stations operating at steam temperatures of 538-566°C, and the 1980s initiative to create low-pollution power stations with steam temperatures of 600-650°C at supercritical pressures up to 350 bar.

9–12% Chromium Steels: Part Two

An overview of the development of heat-resistant ferritic-martensitic 9-12% Cr steels from the 1980s is given in this article. The properties of several 9–12% chromium steels are described, with examples of the graphs of 100,000 h creep rupture strength of steam turbine rotor steels and piping steels.

Advanced High Nitrogen Steels

High nitrogen steels (HNS) offer unique properties such as enhanced strength and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for various industrial applications. This article reviews recent advancements in the production of high nitrogen steels, particularly through techniques developed by the CMRDI, utilizing both open air and controlled atmosphere technologies.

Alloy steels

During the last fifty years engineers have demanded steels with higher and higher tensile strength, together with adequate ductility. This has been particularly so where lightness is desirable, as in the automobile and aircraft industries. An increase in carbon content met this demand in a limited way, but even in the heat-treated condition the maximum strength is about 700 MPa above which value a rapid fall in ductility and impact strength occurs and mass effects limit the permissible section.

Antibacterial Biocidal Steels

Much work has already been done into the potential for certain alloying elements to perform effectively as antibacterial agents in the prevention of harmful biofilms on the materials surface.
Certain elements are specifically effective against certain forms of bacteria for example it is now well know and effectively applied that copper and zinc are both effective in inhibiting the growth of both E. coli and S. aureus bacteria strains.

Arctic Steels: Part One

There are many technological and management challenges in working under the harsh conditions of the arctic and these challenges extend into the use of materials in many varied applications.
Pipelines present just one example whereby a unique set of conditions such as, very low temperatures, low pH, freeze/thaw action to name but a few need to be taken into consideration and resolved.