Application of the Pitting Resistance Equivalent Concept to Some Highly Alloyed Austenitic Stainless Steels

The influence of alloying levels in the ranges from 0.01% to 0.5% N, 4.5% to 6% Mo, and 0.2% to 10% Mn on pitting corrosion resistance was investigated for austenitic stainless steels (SS) with a base composition of 20% Cr and 18% or 25% Ni. Results were analyzed in terms of the pitting resistance equivalent (PRE) concept, which relates pitting behavior to alloying content. The synergistically beneficial effect of molybdenum and nitrogen alloying was demonstrated, while the detrimental effect of manganese alloying was offset by higher attainable nitrogen content.