Processing and mechanical properties of porous 316L stainless steel for biomedical applications

Highly porous 316L stainless steel parts were produced by using a powder metallurgy process, which includes the selective laser sintering(SLS) and traditional sintering. Porous 316L stainless steel suitable for medical applications was successfully fabricated in the porosity range of 40%-50% (volume fraction) by controlling the SLS parameters and sintering behaviour. The porosity of the sintered compacts was investigated as a function of the SLS parameters and the furnace cycle. Compressive stress and elastic modulus of the 316L stainless steel material were determined. The compressive strength was found to be ranging from 21 to 32 MPa and corresponding elastic modulus ranging from 26 to 43 GPa. The present parts are promising for biomedical applications since the optimal porosity of implant materials for ingrowths of new-bone tissues is in the range of 20%-59% (volume fraction) and mechanical properties are matching with human bone.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Bionic Non-Smooth Stainless Steel Surface by Laser Multiple Processing

Laser multiple processing, i.e. laser surface texturing and then Laser Shock Processing (LSP), is a new surface processing technology for the preparation of bionic non-smooth surfaces. Based on engineering bionics, samples of bionic non-smooth surfaces of stainless steel 0Crl 8Ni9 were manufactured in the form of reseau structure by laser multiple processing. The mechanical properties (including microhardness, residual stress, surface roughness) and microstructure of the samples treated by laser multiple processing were compared with those of the samples without LSP The results show that the mechanical properties of these samples by laser multiple processing were clearly improved in comparison with those of the samples without LSP The mechanisms underlying the improved surface microhardness and surface residual stress were analyzed, and the relations between hardness, comnressive residual stress and roughness were also presented.

Evolution of plasticized MnO–Al2O3–SiO2-based nonmetallic inclusion in 18wt%Cr-8wt% Ni stainless steel and its properties during soaking process

The properties of MnO–Al2O3–SiO2-based plasticized inclusion are likely to change during soaking process due to its low melting point. In this study, the evolution of the MnO–Al2O3–SiO2-based inclusion of 18 wt%Cr-8 wt%Ni stainless steel under isothermal soaking process at 1250°C for different times was investigated by laboratory-scale experiments and thermodynamic analysis. The results showed that the inclusion population density increased at the first stage and then decreased while their average size first decreased and then increased. In addition, almost no Cr2O3-concentrated regions existed within the inclusion before soaking, but more and more Cr2O3 precipitates were formed during soaking. Furthermore, the plasticity of the inclusion deteriorated due to a decrease in the amount of liquid phase and an increase in the high-melting-pointphase MnO–Cr2O3 spinel after the soaking process. In-situ observations by high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM) confirmed that liquid phases were produced in the inclusions and the inclusions grew rather quickly during the soaking process. Both the experimental results and thermodynamic analysis conclude that there are three routes for inclusion evolution during the soaking process. In particular, Ostwald ripening plays an important role in the inclusion evolution, i.e., MnO–Al2O3–SiO2-based inclusions grow by absorbing the newly precipitated smaller-size MnO–Cr2O3 inclusions.

Laser Shock Processing of an Austenitic Stainless Steel and a Nickel-base Superalloy

An austenitic stainless steel 1Cr18Ni9Ti and a solid solution-strengthened Ni-base superalloy GH30 were shock processed using a Q-switched pulsed Nd-glass laser. Microstructure, hardness and residual stress of the laser shock processed surface were investigated as functions of laser processing parameters. Results show that high density of dislocations and fine deformation twins are produced in the laser shock processed surface layers in both the austenitic stainless steel and the nickel-base superalloy. Extensive strain-induced martensite was also observed in the laser shock processed zone of the austenitic steel. The hardness of the laser shock processed surface was significantly enhanced and compressive stress as high as 400 MPa was produced in the laser shock processed surface.

Physical and Mathematical Modeling of the Argon-Oxygen Decarburization Refining Process of Stainless Steel

The available studies in the literature on physical and mathematical modeling of the argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) process of stainless steel have briefly been reviewed. The latest advances made by the author with his research group have been summarized. Water modeling was used to investigate the fluid flow and mixing characteristics in the bath of an 18 t AOD vessel, as well as the 'back attack' action of gas jets and its effects on the erosion and wear of the refractory lining, with sufficiently full kinematic similarity. The non rotating and rotating gas jets blown through two annular tuyeres, respectively of straight tube and spiral flat tube type, were employed in the experiments. The geometric similarity ratio between the model and its prototype (including the straight tube type tuyeres) was 1:3. The influences of the gas flow rate, the angle included between the two tuyeres and other operating parameters, and the suitability of the spiral tuyere as a practical application, were examined. These latest studies have clearly and successfully brought to light the fluid flow and mixing characteristics in the bath and the overall features of the back attack phenomena of gas jets during the blowing, and have offered a better understanding of the refining process. Besides, mathematical modeling for the refining process of stainless steel was carried out and a new mathematical model of the process was proposed and developed. The model performs the rate calculations of the refining and the mass and heat balances of the system. Also, the effects of the operating factors, including adding the slag materials, crop ends, and scrap, and alloy agents; the non isothermal conditions; the changes in the amounts of metal and slag during the refining; and other factors were all considered. The model was used to deal with and analyze the austenitic stainless steel making (including ultra low carbon steel) and was tested on data of 32 heats obtained in producing 304 grade steel in an 18 t AOD vessel. The changes in the bath composition and temperature during the refining process with time can be accurately predicted using this model. The model can provide some very useful information and a reliable basis for optimizing the process practice of the refining of stainless steel and control of the process in real time and online.

Effects of Laser Shock Processing on Mechanical Properties of Laser Welded ANSI 304 Stainless Steel Joint

With the rapid development of engineering component with integration,high-speed and multi-parameter,traditional techniques haven＇t met practical needs in extreme service environment.Laser welding,a new welding technology,has been widely used.However,it would generate the drop of mechanical properties for laser welded joint due to its thermal effect.Laser shock processing（LSP） is one of the most effective methods to improve the mechanical properties of laser welded ANSI 304 stainless steel joint.In this paper,the effects of LSP on the mechanical properties of laser welded ANSI 304 stainless steel joint have been investigated.The welded joint on the front of the tensile samples is treated by LSP impacts,and the overlapping rate of the laser spot is 50%.The tensile test of the laser welded joint with and without LSP impacts is carried out,and the fracture morphology of the tensile samples is analyzed by scanning electron microscope（SEM）.Compared with the yield strength of 11.70 kN,the tensile strength of 37.66 kN,the yield-to-tensile strength ratio of 0.310 7,the elongation of 25.20%,the area reduction of 32.68% and the elastic modulus of 13 063.876 MPa,the corresponding values after LSP impacts are 14.25 kN,38.74 kN,0.367 8,26.58%,42.29% and 14 754.394 MPa,respectively.Through LSP impacts,the increasing ratio of the yield strength and tensile strength are 121.79% and 102.87%,respectively;the elongation and area reduction are improved by 5.48% and 29.38%,respectively.By comparing with coarse fracture surface of the welded joint,the delamination splitting with some cracks in the sharp corner of the welded joint and asymmetric dimples,LSP can cause brighter fracture surface,and finer and more uniform dimples.Finally,the schematic illustration of dimple formation with LSP is clearly described.The proposed research ensures that the LSP technology can clearly improve the yield strength,tensile strength,yield-to-tensile strength ratio,elongation,area reduction and elastic modulus of the welded joint.The enhancement mechanism of LSP on laser welded ANSI 304 stainless steel joint is mainly due to the fact that the refined and uniform dimples effectively delay the fracture of laser welded joints.

Effect of Colouring Process on Pitting Susceptibility of Austenitic Stainless Steel

Colouring of the austenitic stainless steel alloy （20.45% Cr, 8.57% Ni） was carried out in NaNO3-KNO3 eutectic melt without and with additions of Na2O2, NaCl and their mixtures at different temperatures ranging from 400-600℃, under open-circuit and galvanostatic anodic polarization conditions. The produced colours greatly depend on the thickness of oxide films, which in turn depends on the composition of the molten bath and its temperature. The more attractive, bright, adherent and uniform coloured oxide films can be obtained at 400, 450 and 500℃ in molten nitrate bath containing NaCl and Na2O2 mixtures. The pitting corrosion susceptibility of the coloured oxide films was tested in FeCl3 and NaCl as corrosive media. The obtained results indicate that the pitting corrosion susceptibility of the coloured oxide films greatly depends on the previous operating conditions of the colouring process of the stainless steel specimens such as the composition of molten bath, temperature and technique of colouring process.

The Phenomenon of High Hardness Values on the S-Phase Layer of Austenitic Stainless Steel via Screen Plasma Nitriding Process

The purpose of this study is to improve the surface properties of austenitic stainless steel using the double-folded electrode screen plasma nitriding (SPN) process. In general, the S-phase is well-known for its excellent properties such as improved hardness and wear resistance along with sustained corrosion resistance. The concentrated nitrogen via SPN process was injected to form S-phase with time at 713 K. This study was carried out under the conditions of 44 at% of nitrogen injection, which was higher than 25 at% known as the condition of no precipitation of S-phase formed by the SPN process, and 20 K higher than the maximum temperature without precipitation phase. The hardness analysis of stainless steel sample treated by the SPN process at 713 K showed a much higher value than the typical nitriding hardness at a depth of lower nitrogen than the maximum nitrogen concentration. The SPN 20 hr treated specimen showed the average value of 2339 HV while 40 hr showed the average value of 2215 HV. The result is attributed to the concentrated nitrogen formed in the SPN process reacting with the alloying elements contained in the base material to form fine precipitates, thus producing a synergy effect of the extreme hardening effect;that is, the movement of precipitates and dislocations due to the GP-zone (Guinier-Preston zone).

Extrusion process of 304L H-shaped stainless steel used in passive residual heat removal heat exchanger

304L H-shaped stainless steel is used as the support frame of the passive residual heat removal heat exchanger(PRHR HX) in a nuclear fission reactor. The extrusion process is adopted to manufacture the 304L H-shaped stainless steel. Finite element method simulation is herein used to analyze metal flow characteristics, optimize the extrusion die, and predict the extrusion force at different temperatures and speeds. A Φ400-mm container and Φ388-mm forging billet are selected, and the 304L H-shaped stainless steel is successfully manufactured using a Germany SMS 60 MN horizontal extruder. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the manufactured 304L H-shaped stainless steel meet the requirements of the PRHR HX, and the surfaces of the product pass the dye penetration test. The H-shaped stainless steels are used in Haiyang nuclear power plant in Shandong Province.

Effect of hot-band annealing process on microstructure,texture,and r-value of final sheets of ferritic stainless steel

In this paper,the effect of different annealing processes on the microstructure,texture,and formability of ferritic stainless steel was studied in detail.The results showed that the grain size in the final sheet was larger and the recrystallization texture was more uniform after the final recrystallization annealing of hot-rolled steel with continuous annealing than that without annealing or with batch annealing.In addition,the final sheet had a higher average r-value and the lowest planar anisotropy.

Wave Processes and Mass Transfer on the Copper-Stainless Steel Interface under Solid Phase Bonding by High-Temperature Rolling

The paper presents the study of hierarchy of deformation wave-processes from nano- to macro-structural level, which takes place in dissimilar materials, bonded by high-temperature vacuum rolling in solid phase. The focus was on the processes that occur on the interface of the bonded materials: mass trasfer of impurities and alloying elements stimulated by deformation, the study of nano- and micro-hardness.

Influence of hot rolling on the microstructure of lean duplex stainless steel 2101

In this work, the microstructure and the strain partitioning of lean duplex stainless steel 2101 (LDX 2101) during different hot-rolling processes are investigated by optical microscopy and electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The results show that the LDX 2101 exhibits poor thermoplasticity at high temperature. The four-pass hot-rolled plates show fewer edge-cracking defects and superior thermoplasticity compared with the two-pass hot-rolled plates prepared at different temperature. The phase boundary is the weakest site in the LDX 2101. The cracks are initiated and propagated along the phase boundaries during the hot-rolling process. According to the EBSD analysis, the increase of the hot-rolling pass can dramatically improve the strain distribution in ferrite and austenite phases and promote the strain transmission in the constituent phases, thereby improving the coordinated deformation ability of the two phases. This effect further in- creases the thermoplasticity and reduces the formation of edge cracks in LDX 2101.

Study of Ce-modified antibacterial 316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel is widely used for fashion jewelry, but it can carry a large number of bacteria and bring the risk of infection since the steel has no antimicrobial performance. In this paper, the effects of Ce on the antibacterial property, corrosion resistance and processability of 316L were studied by microscopic observation, thin- film adhering quantitative bacteriostasis, and electrochemical and mechanical tests. The results show that a trace of Ce can distribute uniformly in the matrix of 316L and slightly improve its corrosion resistance in artificial sweat. With an increase in Ce content, the Ce is prone to form clustering, which degrades the corrosion resistance and the processability. The Ce-containing 316L exhibits Hormesis effect against S. aureus. A small Ce addition stimulates the growth of S. aureus. As the Ce content increases, the modified 316L exhibits an improved antibacterial efficacy. The more Ce is added, the better antibacterial capability is achieved. Overall, if the 316L is modified with Ce alone, it is difficult to obtain the optimal combination of corrosion resistance, antibacterial performance and processability. In spite of that, 0.15 wt.%-0.20 wt.% Ce around is inferred to be the best trade-off.

Research on the SUS304 hot-rolled austenitic stainless steel strip by TMCP

To avoid intergranular corrosion and obtain microstructural homogenization, the conventional SUS304 austenitic stainless steel needs to be solution annealed after hot rolling. This study investigates the thermal-mechanical controlled process （TMCP） of SUS304 steel, especially the controlled rolling and online accelerated cooling procedures. The objective of this research is to reduce or even prevent carbide precipitation based on the description of the time- temperature-precipitation （TTP） curve. The dynamic and post-dynamic recrystallization behaviors of this steel ensured the homogenization of grains in this process due to, which was studied by the hot compression tests. The microstructure and the properties of the TMCP-produced SUS304 steel strip were compared with the conventional method of solution annealing. Based on the above results, the newly developed TMCP-produced SUS304 hot-rolled austenitic stainless steel strip has been successfully produced and it can be directly utilized in the cold rolling process without solution annealing.

Effect of welding processes and consumables on fatigue crack growth behaviour of armour grade quenched and tempered steel joints

Quenched and Tempered(Q&T) steels are widely used in the construction of military vehicles due to its high strength to weight ratio and high hardness. These steels are prone to hydrogen induced cracking(HIC) in the heat affected zone(HAZ) after welding. The use of austenitic stainless steel(ASS) consumables to weld the above steel was the only available remedy because of higher solubility for hydrogen in austenitic phase. The use of stainless steel consumables for a non-stainless steel base metal is not economical. Hence, alternate consumables for welding Q&T steels and their vulnerability to HIC need to be explored. Recent studies proved that low hydrogen ferritic steel(LHF) consumables can be used to weld Q&T steels, which can give very low hydrogen levels in the weld deposits. The use of ASS and LHF consumables will lead to distinct microstructures in their respective welds. This microstructural heterogeneity will have a drastic influence in the fatigue crack growth resistance of armour grade Q&T steel welds. Hence, in this investigation an attempt has been made to study the influence of welding consumables and welding processes on fatigue crack growth behaviour of armour grade Q&T Steel joints. Shielded metal arc welding(SMAW) and Flux cored arc welding(FCAW) were used for fabrication of joints using ASS and LHF consumables. The joints fabricated by SMAW process using LHF consumable exhibited superior fatigue crack growth resistance than all other joints.

Overview of stainless-steel clad-plate welding

Types of bimetal clad plate, manufacturing methods, and their fields of application were summarized. In particular,key aspects of the welding of clad-rolled stainless steel were described, including the weldability of the base and clad metals, design criteria for the transition layer, the selection of the type of welding process and consumables used, types of blanking and welding bevels, preparation and assembly prior to welding, welding procedure requirements, post-weld cleaning and heat treatment, and welding quality inspection. This paper will serve as a reference for the welding technology used in future consumer applications in related fields.

ND:YAG Laser Pulses Ablation Threshold of Stainless Steel 304

Laser processing and laser surface texturing in multiple fields have become a popular topic of study in recent decades. Understanding the principles behind the laser irradiation mechanism is an essential step in choosing the most effective process parameters. Through this study, the effects of power and pulse duration on the structure and surface pattern of stainless steel type 304 were examined, and optimized laser parameters were introduced for desired laser penetration and heat-affected areas on the surface. The analyzed sample was prepared by using variations of pulse durations and different pulsed energies. Looking at the trend of change of non-dimensional temperature along the surface, thickness, and center of the sample, the effects of pulse duration and intensity (corresponding to energy) were observed. Upon considering all the aspects of the irradiated spots, such as heat-affected area diameter, surface patterns, and penetration depth, the advantages and disadvantages of short and long pulse durations are mapped out clearly. Also, a new method to obtain the ablation threshold of stainless steel is introduced, and a thorough analytical solution is obtained.

Gas metal arc welding of duplex stainless clad steel plates

The 2205 duplex stainless ＋ DH36 clad steel plate was welded by gas metal arc welding（GMAW）, and the welding performance of the clad steel plate was investigated. The results show that the adaptability of the welding procedure for the base metal of carbon steel, the transition layer, and the cladding material is excellent. The test results indicate that the phase proportion and component dilution of the GMAW-welded joints of clad steel plate can be effectively controlled to yield joints with good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Consteel电弧炉-AOD二步法冶炼300系Cr-Ni奥氏体不锈钢的工艺优化

在钢厂生产的300系不锈钢原工艺为140 t EAF-150 t AOD二步法,EAF采用部分低镍高磷生铁炉料冶炼,其终点[P]为450×10^(-6)。为降低EAF终点[P],改进的工艺为60 t Consteel电弧炉+140 t EAF-150 t AOD流程。60 t Consteel EAF用低镍高磷生铁,其终点[P]为≤250×10^(-6),加上85 t EAF终点[P]450×10^(-6)的钢水,使AOD精炼前的[P]≤360×10^(-6)。新工艺冶炼周期缩短10～30 min,钢水磷含量从450×10^(-6)降至360 X 10^(-6)以下,提高了不锈钢产品质量,并显著降低了生产成本。

The process development and product application of Tisco DSS

DSS have high strength,high corrosion resistance and good welding properties.Comparing with the same corrosion resistance level austenitic stainless steel,DSS decrease largely Ni content and realize the thinning of thickness design to perfectly optimize properties and decrease costs.Now DSS have been widely used in many fields such as petroleum,chemical industry,paper production,shipbuilding,nuclear power, seawater desalting,vacuum salt production and architecture.Tisco have began the process development and product application research of DSS products from last century and gradually solved a lot of technical problems such as AOD nitrogen alloying control of various content DSS,high temperature deformation mechanism of thermal process,large deformation hot rolling process of coils,the effect of bad phase precipitated during hot treatment process on properties and high efficiency pickling of high Cr/Mo content DSS plates.The various alloy content DSS plates and wide cold rolling coils(3Re60,S32101,S32304, S31803,S32205,S32750 and SUS329J4L) were successfully developed and used in national important constructions,key industries and abroad projects.