Skip to main content
SHARE
Technology

Medium Carbon Low Density Oxidation Resistant Steel

Invention Reference Number

202405767
Pouring of liquid metal in open-hearth furnace. Image from Envato

This invention introduces a cost-effective steel with superior oxidation resistance at high temperatures (up to 650–700°C). It offers comparable performance to higher alloy-content martensitic steels (e.g., 422 steel) but at significantly reduced cost. This innovative steel offers a breakthrough solution for industries requiring cost-effective materials with high oxidation resistance and robust mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.

Description

Traditional 5 wt.% Chromium tool steels such as H11, H13, and DIN 1.2367 are widely used in applications requiring elevated temperature strength. However, their oxidation resistance above 600°C is limited, and they lack cost efficiency for applications that demand both high-temperature oxidation resistance and good strength.

This invention addresses this issue by developing martensitic steels with lower alloy content than traditional 12 wt.% Cr steels, while maintaining similar oxidation resistance and improved mechanical strength. The steel compositions undergo heat treatments to enhance their microstructure and properties.

Benefits

  • High-temperature performance: Exceptional oxidation resistance up to 700°C, surpassing 5Cr steels and matching 12Cr steels.
  • Cost efficiency: Reduced alloy content significantly lowers production costs compared to 12Cr martensitic steels.
  • Mechanical strength: Good ultimate tensile strength at both ambient and elevated temperatures (25°C and 600°C).

Applications and Industries

  • Automotive industry: Materials for piston crowns in diesel engines to withstand high-temperature conditions.
  • Manufacturing: Tooling for high-pressure aluminum die-casting and metal forming.
  • Construction and metalworking: Steels for press-hardening applications requiring durability and heat resistance.

Contact

To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.