Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steels

This chapter focuses on precipitation-hardening stainless steels (PHSSs). The three main types of PHSSs, i.e., the semiaustenitic class, the martensitic class and the austenitic class, are described in detail. The duplex class is also briefly discussed. The different heat treatments, together with their effects on properties, that are commonly used for attaining precipitation strengthening in PHSSs are presented. Recent developments in the understanding of the precipitation sequences and the precipitates in PHSSs are introduced.

Keywords: Semiautenitic class, duplex class, martensitic class, precipitation-hardening, heat treatment, austenitisation, austenitic conditioning, conditioning treatment, precipitation sequence, Cu precipitate, overageing.