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Super Duplex Steel Composition Explained for 2025

Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-09-12      Origin: Site

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Super Duplex Steel Composition Explained for 2025

You see the composition of super duplex steel in the table below. It contains chromium (24-26%), nickel (6-8%), molybdenum (3-5%), nitrogen (0.24-0.32%), and iron as the balance.

Element

Percentage Range

Chromium

24-26%

Nickel

6-8%

Molybdenum

3-5%

Nitrogen

0.24-0.32%

Iron

Balance

The composition of super duplex steel gives you high corrosion resistance and impressive strength. When you compare the composition of super duplex steel to other stainless grades, you notice higher chromium and nickel levels. The unique composition of super duplex steel makes it stand out in harsh environments. You need to understand the composition of super duplex steel to choose the right material for tough jobs.

Composition of Super Duplex Steel

Composition of Super Duplex Steel

Key Elements

You find several important elements in super duplex stainless steel. Each element plays a unique role in shaping the alloy’s properties. The main elements include chromium, nickel, molybdenum, nitrogen, and iron. You also see smaller amounts of carbon, manganese, silicon, and copper. These elements work together to create a balance between strength and corrosion resistance.

Element

Role in Properties

Chromium (Cr)

Provides corrosion resistance and strength

Nickel (Ni)

Enhances ductility and toughness

Molybdenum (Mo)

Improves pitting resistance and strength

Nitrogen (N)

Increases strength and corrosion resistance

Iron (Fe)

Main base element, supports structure

Carbon (C)

Enhances strength and hardness

Manganese (Mn)

Improves toughness and hardenability

Silicon (Si)

Increases oxidation resistance

Copper (Cu)

Enhances corrosion resistance in certain environments

You notice that chromium and nickel are especially important for corrosion resistance. Molybdenum helps protect against pitting, which is common in chloride-rich environments. Nitrogen boosts both strength and corrosion resistance. Iron forms the base of the alloy and supports the structure. You see that duplex stainless steel relies on this mix to achieve its unique properties.

Typical Percentages

You need to know the typical percentage ranges for each element to understand the chemical composition of super duplex stainless steel. International standards like ASTM and EN set these ranges to ensure consistent quality.

Element (Symbol)

Percentage Range (%)

Chromium (Cr)

24.0 - 26.0

Nickel (Ni)

6.0 - 8.0

Molybdenum (Mo)

3.0 - 5.0

Nitrogen (N)

0.24 - 0.32

Iron (Fe)

Balance

You see that super duplex stainless steel contains a high chromium content, which sets it apart from other grades. Duplex 2507, a popular super duplex material, often contains about 25% chromium, up to 4% molybdenum, and enhanced nitrogen levels. These percentages give you a material that resists corrosion and maintains strength in harsh conditions. Duplex 2205, another common duplex stainless steel, has lower chromium and molybdenum levels, so it does not match the performance of duplex 2507 in aggressive environments.

Super duplex grades push the boundaries of corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Duplex 2507 contains higher levels of chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen. The PREN for super duplex stainless steels exceeds 40, which means you get exceptional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in harsh chloride-rich environments.

Role of Nitrogen

Nitrogen plays a key role in the chemical composition of super duplex stainless steel. You find that nitrogen increases both strength and corrosion resistance. When you add more nitrogen, you boost the austenite phase in the microstructure. This change makes the steel tougher and more resistant to cracking.

Nitrogen Content

Effect on Microstructure

Effect on Corrosion Resistance

Low (<0.3 wt.%)

Reduced CxN phase, weak nitride film

Inferior corrosion resistance

High (>0.4 wt.%)

Increased austenite phase, dense nitride layer

Significantly improved corrosion resistance

You see that higher nitrogen levels create a dense nitride layer. This layer protects the steel from corrosion, especially in environments with chlorides. Duplex 2507 uses nitrogen to achieve its high strength and durability. Duplex 2205 contains less nitrogen, so it does not offer the same level of protection.

Welding manufacturing is one of the main processes for making super duplex materials. You must keep a balance between the ferrite and austenite phases during welding. This balance ensures that the chemical composition stays consistent and the steel maintains its strength and corrosion resistance.

You also notice new technologies like 3D printing for super duplex stainless steel. These advancements help you produce parts on demand and reduce waste, especially for offshore and marine applications.

You need to pay attention to the chemical composition when you choose duplex stainless steel for your project. The right mix of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen gives you the best performance in tough environments. Duplex 2507 stands out because of its high alloy content and balanced structure. Duplex 2205 offers good performance but does not match the extreme durability of super duplex grades.

Corrosion Resistance

How It Works

You rely on super duplex stainless steel when you need strong corrosion resistance. The high levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum in its composition give you protection against many types of corrosion. Chromium forms a passive layer on the steel surface. This layer blocks oxygen and moisture, which helps prevent pitting and intergranular corrosion. Nickel stabilizes the microstructure and keeps the steel tough in harsh conditions. Molybdenum boosts resistance to localized corrosion, especially in environments with chlorides.

You can see how each element works in the table below:

Alloying Element

Impact on Corrosion Resistance

Chromium (Cr)

Enhances resistance to pitting and stress corrosion cracking.

Nickel (Ni)

Contributes to overall corrosion resistance and stability of the microstructure.

Molybdenum (Mo)

Improves resistance to localized corrosion and enhances overall durability.

You notice that super duplex stainless steel resists pitting and crevice corrosion better than many other alloys. The steel also shows strong resistance to acids and chloride stress corrosion cracking. You get reliable performance in high chloride environments, such as seawater or chemical processing plants.

Tip: You should choose super duplex stainless steel for projects where corrosion resistance properties are critical. The alloy’s composition gives you long-lasting protection, even in aggressive settings.

You may encounter failure modes in super duplex stainless steel, but these are rare when you select the right grade and maintain proper treatment. Common issues include:

  • Poor seawater resistance in older alloys, which led to the development of super duplex grades.

  • Crevice corrosion under high pressure and temperature, but alloys like 2507 show high pitting resistance.

  • Severe pitting corrosion in cast super duplex stainless steel exposed to high chloride environments.

  • Segregated microstructure can increase susceptibility to localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.

  • Ferritic phases with lower PREN values can cause failure in extreme conditions.

You can reduce these risks by choosing alloys with high PREN values and balanced microstructures.

Comparison to Other Steels

You may wonder how super duplex stainless steel compares to other grades. You find that super duplex grades outperform austenitic and standard duplex stainless steels in corrosion resistance. The combination of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen gives you superior protection against pitting and crevice corrosion.

Here is a comparison table:

Type of Stainless Steel

Corrosion Resistance Characteristics

Super Duplex Stainless Steel (SDSS)

High pitting corrosion resistance due to alloying elements like Cr, Mo, and N.

Austenitic Stainless Steel

Lower tendency to form ferrite, which can affect corrosion resistance.

Standard Duplex Stainless Steel

Intermediate corrosion resistance, influenced by phase composition and treatment methods.

You can measure corrosion resistance using the Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN). Higher PREN values mean better resistance to pitting. Super duplex grades like SAF 2507, Zeron 100, and Ferrinox 255 have PREN values above 40. These numbers show you that super duplex stainless steel offers the highest level of protection.

STEEL TYPE

PREN

SAF 2507

> 40

Zeron 100

> 40

Ferrinox 255

> 40

SAF 2205

30.8-38.1

316L (2.5% min Mo)

25.3-30.7

316LN

25.0-30.3

904L

32.2-39.9

You see that super duplex stainless steel stands out in high chloride environments. Alloys like SAF 2507 resist pitting and crevice corrosion better than 316L or 2205. You get reliable corrosion resistance even when exposed to seawater or industrial chemicals.

Note: You should always check the PREN value when selecting stainless steel for corrosive environments. Super duplex grades give you the highest protection against localized corrosion.

You can trust super duplex stainless steel for demanding applications. The alloy’s corrosion resistance properties make it ideal for offshore, marine, and chemical processing industries. You get peace of mind knowing your equipment will last longer and perform better.

Super Duplex Stainless Steel Properties

Strength

You get impressive strength when you choose super duplex stainless steel. The alloy’s unique composition gives you higher yield and tensile strength than most other stainless steels. You can see the difference in the table below:

Property

Duplex 2205

Super Duplex 2507

Yield Strength (Rp0.2)

≥ 450 MPa

≥ 550 MPa

Tensile Strength (Rm)

≥ 620 MPa

≥ 800 MPa

Super duplex 2507 stands out with a yield strength of at least 550 MPa and a tensile strength of 800 MPa or more. You notice that these values are much higher than those of standard duplex grades. This means you can use thinner sections without sacrificing safety or performance. You also benefit from excellent elongation and hardness. Recent materials handbooks show that super duplex stainless steel offers 25% elongation and a Brinell hardness below 270.

Property

Value

Unit

0.2% Proof Stress

550

N/mm²

Tensile Strength

800

N/mm²

Elongation

25

%

Hardness (Brinell)

<270


Tip: You can rely on super duplex stainless steel for structures that need both strength and flexibility. The alloy resists deformation and cracking, even under heavy loads.

Durability

You find super duplex stainless steel performs well in harsh environments. Laboratory and field tests confirm its durability in seawater, polluted acids, and chloride-rich media. The table below highlights key findings from recent studies:

Study

Findings

Corrosion characteristics of S23043 duplex stainless steel bars

Weld metal and base metal show similar corrosion resistance in synthetic seawater.

Corrosion, Impact Toughness and Tensile Properties of Duplex Stainless Steels

Optimal austenite fraction improves corrosion resistance; additive manufacturing presents new challenges.

Mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of duplex stainless steel weldment

Super duplex grades deliver superior performance in polluted acids and chloride-containing environments.

You see that super duplex stainless steel maintains its integrity over time. The alloy resists corrosion, fatigue, and impact damage. You can use it for offshore platforms, chemical plants, and marine equipment. The steel’s balanced microstructure helps you avoid common problems like pitting and stress corrosion cracking.

Note: You should select super duplex stainless steel for projects where long-term durability matters. The alloy’s proven track record in tough conditions gives you confidence in your investment.

Uses and Advantages of Super Duplex

Uses and Advantages of Super Duplex

Applications

You see super duplex used in many demanding applications. Its high resistance to corrosion makes it a top choice for offshore platforms and marine environments. You often find super duplex in chemical and petrochemical plants, where it handles aggressive chemicals and high chloride levels. Offshore oil and gas facilities rely on super duplex for components in the oil and gas sector, including heat exchangers and pressure vessels. You also see super duplex in applications such as pumps, valves, and piping systems that operate in marine environments. Water distribution and wastewater treatment projects use super duplex because it lasts longer and needs less maintenance. Offshore wind farms and power generation plants depend on super duplex for structural supports and safety-critical parts.

  • Chemical and petrochemical industries

  • Offshore platforms and marine environments

  • Oil-refinery heat exchangers

  • Water distribution and wastewater treatment

  • Power generation plants

  • Applications such as pumps and valves

Benefits

You gain many advantages when you choose super duplex for high-performance stainless steels. Super duplex offers outstanding resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking. You can use thinner sections, which reduces material costs and structural weight. Super duplex performs well in marine environments and offshore platforms, even when exposed to seawater and harsh chemicals. You spend less on maintenance because super duplex resists damage and lasts longer. The initial cost may be higher, but you save money over time due to fewer replacements and lower upkeep. Super duplex supports sustainable infrastructure by reducing waste and improving durability.

Tip: You should consider super duplex for demanding applications where long-term performance and reliability matter. Its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance make it one of the best high-performance alloys for offshore and marine environments.

Cost Aspect

Super Duplex Stainless Steel

Other Stainless Steel Grades

Initial Cost

Higher

Lower

Lifecycle Cost

More cost-efficient due to fewer replacements and lower maintenance

Less cost-efficient over time

Limitations

You need to know the limitations of super duplex before you select it for your project. Super duplex should not be used at temperatures below −2°C because it loses toughness. You may face challenges during welding and heat treatment. The heat affected zone can lose corrosion resistance and toughness, which may lead to post-weld cracking. Increased chromium content raises the risk of sigma phase formation, especially during welding. Super duplex can be sensitive to hydrogen embrittlement in marine environments, but smaller grain sizes help improve resistance.

Limitation

Explanation

Low-temperature resistance

Super duplex stainless steel should be used at or above a minimum temperature of −2°C.

Susceptibility to sigma phase

Increased chromium content raises the risk of sigma phase formation, especially during welding.

Challenges in welding and heat treatment

The heat affected zone can suffer from loss of corrosion resistance, toughness, and may lead to post-weld cracking.

Note: You should work with experienced fabricators when using super duplex in offshore platforms or marine environments. Proper welding and heat treatment help you avoid common problems and ensure the best performance in demanding applications.

You see super duplex stainless steel stands out for its unique mix of strength and corrosion resistance. The table below highlights key features:

Key Points

Description

Exceptional Strength

Handles demanding jobs with high yield strength.

Corrosion Resistance

Resists pitting and crevice corrosion in harsh settings.

Applications

Used in industries with acids, seawater, and chemicals.

Advantages

Tough, formable, weldable, and resists stress corrosion cracking.

Disadvantages

Costs more and can be harder to machine.

  • You get better pitting resistance than SS 316L and higher strength than austenitic steels.

  • Super duplex lets you use thinner sections, saving costs in tough environments.

  • You should always check the alloy’s composition before choosing materials for demanding projects.

FAQ

What makes super duplex stainless steel different from regular stainless steel?

You get higher chromium, nickel, and molybdenum in super duplex stainless steel. This gives you better corrosion resistance and strength than regular stainless steel. Super duplex also resists pitting and cracking in harsh environments.

Can you weld super duplex stainless steel easily?

You can weld super duplex stainless steel, but you need skill and the right process. You must control heat input and cooling rates. This helps you avoid loss of toughness and corrosion resistance in the weld area.

Where should you use super duplex stainless steel?

You should use super duplex stainless steel in places with high chloride or acidic conditions. Offshore platforms, chemical plants, and water treatment facilities benefit from its strength and corrosion resistance.

Is super duplex stainless steel magnetic?

You find that super duplex stainless steel is partly magnetic. The alloy contains both ferrite and austenite phases. This mix gives you some magnetic properties, unlike fully austenitic stainless steels.

How do you check the quality of super duplex stainless steel?

You should check the chemical composition and mechanical properties. Look for certifications like ASTM or EN standards. You can also test for PREN value to ensure high corrosion resistance.

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