This group of steels has a mixed structure with 50 % ferrite and 50 % austenite and is called Duplex. The balance between ferrite and austenite is obtained by alloying with the right elements and an image of the structure is shown below.
| The main characteristic that differentiates duplex steels from austenitic and ferritic steels is the higher yield strength and tensile strength. The utilization of the mechanical strength can lead to thinner gauges in for instance storage tanks. The corrosion resistance of the duplex grades varies like the austenitic grades; there are duplex grades suitable for mild environments as well as grades that are resistant in very aggressive environments. |
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The microstructure shows an image of a duplex stainless steel.
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