Duplex stainless steels are called “duplex” because they have a two-phase microstructure consisting of grains of ferritic and austenitic stainless steel. When duplex stainless steel is melted it solidifies from the liquid phase to a completely ferritic structure. As the material cools to room temperature, about half of the ferritic grains transform to austenitic grains (“islands”). The result is a microstructure of roughly 50% austenite and 50% ferrite. Duplex stainless steels are about twice as strong as regular austenitic or ferritic stainless steels.
Applications of Duplex:
• Chemical processing, transport and storage
• Oil and gas exploration and offshore rigs
• Oil and gas refining
• Marine environments
• Pollution control equipment
• Pollution control equipment
• Pulp & paper manufacturing