Products Features

Excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking (core advantage)
One of the core advantages of S31803 is its excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC) brought about by its duplex microstructure. Austenitic stainless steels (such as 304L and 316L) are highly susceptible to SCC failure in chloride-containing environments under the combined influence of temperature, stress, and chloride ions. In contrast, the duplex structure of S31803 provides it with an inherent immunity to chloride-induced SCC. Ordinary austenitic stainless steels are prone to intergranular SCC in chloride water solutions above 60°C, whereas S31803 exhibits significantly superior SCC resistance to austenitic stainless steels even in high-temperature chloride water above 80°C. This characteristic makes it an ideal material selection for applications where chloride ions and stress coexist, such as offshore platforms, oil and gas processing equipment, and chemical plants. The alloy also complies with the NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 standard, making it suitable for acidic oil and gas environments containing hydrogen sulfide.

High strength matched with good ductility
The yield strength of S31803 (≥ 450 MPa) is approximately twice that of 316L, with a tensile strength of ≥ 620 MPa and an elongation of ≥ 25%. Its strength level is comparable to or even exceeds that of some low-alloy steels, while its ductility is far superior to that of ferritic stainless steels. Under equivalent design strength, S31803 can achieve thinner wall thickness and structural lightweighting, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing expenses.

Excellent resistance to pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion
The high chromium (21-23%), high molybdenum (2.5-3.5%), and high nitrogen (0.08-0.20%) content of S31803 endows it with exceptional resistance to pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion. Its PREN value is approximately 32-39, significantly higher than that of 316L (≈25). In harsh environments such as seawater, chloride solutions, and acidic chloride media, S31803 can form a stable passive film, resisting the initiation and propagation of pitting. Its critical pitting temperature (CPT) typically ranges between 25-35°C, which is notably higher than that of 316L, allowing reliable operation without pitting perforation in temperate seawater and industrial cooling water systems.

Good welding performance
S31803 exhibits good welding properties. Compared to the first-generation duplex stainless steels, second-generation duplex steels have significantly reduced sensitivity to welding thermal cycles. Various welding methods such as TIG, MIG, SMAW, and SAW can be used for joining. During welding, it is necessary to control the heat input (recommended 0.5-2.5 kJ/mm) and interpass temperature (typically ≤ 150°C) to prevent the precipitation of harmful intermetallic phases (such as sigma phase). Post-weld solution annealing is generally not required, but pickling or passivation is recommended to restore corrosion resistance. Matching filler materials such as ER2209 are recommended to ensure the weld forms approximately 30-50% ferrite microstructure.

Good hot working and cold working properties
S31803 exhibits excellent hot working properties and can be formed through hot forging, hot rolling, hot extrusion, and other hot working processes within a temperature range of 950-1250°C. The optimal hot working temperature interval is 1000-1150°C. After hot working, solution treatment (approximately 1020-1100°C) is required to achieve the best duplex microstructure and mechanical properties. The cold working performance of this alloy is superior to that of ferritic stainless steels, allowing for cold bending, cold rolling, stamping, and other forming operations. However, its tendency to work harden is higher than that of austenitic stainless steels. It is recommended to perform intermediate annealing when the cold deformation exceeds 5-10%.
Technical Specifications
Chemical Composition (ASTM A240 / UNS S31803)
|
Element |
Standard Requirements |
Notes |
|
Cr |
21.0 - 23.0% |
Core elements that form a dense passivation film to provide corrosion resistance; ferrite-forming elements |
|
Ni |
4.5 - 6.5% |
Austenite stabilizing elements promote the formation of duplex microstructure and improve toughness |
|
Mo |
2.5 - 3.5% |
Improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion by approximately three times that of chromium |
|
N |
0.08 - 0.20% |
Strong austenite-forming elements, solid solution strengthening, improve pitting corrosion resistance and yield strength |
|
Mn |
≤ 2.0% |
Deoxidizer, added in small amounts |
|
Si |
≤ 1.0% |
Deoxidizer, strictly controlled |
|
C |
≤ 0.030% |
Strictly control to prevent the precipitation of carbides from impairing corrosion resistance |
|
P |
≤ 0.030% |
Impurity elements, strictly controlled |
|
S |
≤ 0.020% |
Impurity elements, strictly controlled to prevent hot brittleness |
|
Fe |
Remaining quantity (≈ 63.5%) |
Matrix element |
Physical Properties
|
Property |
Value/Range |
Test Conditions |
|
Density |
7.80 g/cm³ |
Room Temperature (20°C) |
|
Melting Point |
1300 - 1440°C |
- |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
≈ 15 W/(m·K) |
Room Temperature |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100°C) |
≈ 13.0 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
Below austenitic stainless steel |
|
Resistivity |
≈ 0.85 μΩ·m |
Room Temperature |
|
Elastic modulus (Young's modulus) |
190 - 200 GPa |
Room Temperature |
|
Poisson's ratio |
0.25 - 0.29 |
Room Temperature |
|
Magnetism |
Ferromagnetism |
The duplex structure is magnetic |
Mechanical Properties (Solution Annealed Condition, Typical Value, ASTM A240)
|
Property |
Typical Value |
Specification |
|
Tensile Strength |
≥ 620 MPa |
ASTM A240 |
|
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) |
≥ 450 MPa |
ASTM A240 |
|
Elongation |
≥ 25% |
ASTM A240 |
|
Hardness (Brinell) |
290 HB(Maximum) |
- |
Note: The yield strength of S31803 is approximately twice that of 316L, which can significantly reduce wall thickness to achieve structural lightweighting and cost optimization.
Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) Comparison
|
Material grade |
PREN(Cr+3.3Mo+16N) |
Chloride resistance |
|
S31803 (2205) |
32 - 39 |
Excellent |
|
316L |
≈ 25 |
General |
|
S32750 (2507) |
≥ 40 |
Extremely good |
Corrosion Resistance (Typical Value)
|
Medium |
Concentration |
Temperature |
Corrosion rate |
Rating |
|
Seawater |
- |
Room temperature to high temperature |
Ignored |
Excellent |
|
Chloride solution (salt water) |
- |
High Temperature |
Ignored |
Excellent |
|
Nitric acid (HNO₃) |
≤ 40% |
Room Temperature |
<0.05 |
Excellent |
|
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) |
≤ 40% |
Room Temperature |
<0.1 |
Good |
|
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) |
Low concentration |
Room Temperature |
<0.1 |
Good |
|
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) |
- |
Room Temperature |
Ignored |
Excellent |
|
Organic acids (such as acetic acid, citric acid, etc.) |
- |
Room Temperature |
Ignored |
Excellent |
|
Wet Chlorine Gas |
- |
Room Temperature |
Ignored |
Excellent |
Note: The corrosion resistance of S31803 is superior to that of 316L and 317L in most environments. It exhibits excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in chloride-containing environments, but its corrosion resistance is limited in strongly reducing media such as high-temperature concentrated hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and concentrated sulfuric acid. In hydrogen-containing environments, duplex stainless steels are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement and require careful evaluation.
High-temperature performance
S31803 maintains high strength at moderate temperatures:
|
Temperature |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Performance retention rate |
|
Room temperature (20°C) |
≥ 620 |
100% |
|
200°C |
≈ 560 |
≥ 90% |
|
300°C |
≈ 500 |
≥ 81% |
Long-term Thermal and Microstructural Stability:
S31803 exhibits good microstructural stability during long-term service at temperatures ≤ 300°C.
Note:
Prolonged exposure to temperatures between 300-500°C may lead to 475°C embrittlement (spinodal decomposition of the ferrite phase), resulting in reduced toughness. Therefore, long-term use within this temperature range is not recommended.
Prolonged exposure in the 600-900°C range may lead to the precipitation of the sigma phase (an intermetallic compound), which significantly reduces corrosion resistance and toughness. Solution treatment must quickly pass through this temperature range.
S31803 is less sensitive to harmful phase precipitation than first-generation duplex stainless steels, but strict control of cooling rate is still required during heat treatment and welding to quickly pass through the sensitive temperature range.
Antioxidant Performance:
S31803 can form a protective oxide layer below 800°C, offering better antioxidant properties than austenitic stainless steels. For long-term service at higher temperatures, it is recommended to evaluate the oxidation weight gain.
Heat treatment system
The heat treatment of S31803 has a decisive impact on the final microstructure and properties, with common specifications as follows:
Solution treatment (for obtaining the optimal duplex microstructure and comprehensive properties):
Heat to 1020-1100°C, hold for a sufficient time (approximately 2-4 minutes per inch of thickness), then water quench or rapid air cool. This will yield an ideal duplex microstructure consisting of approximately 50% ferrite and 50% austenite, providing optimal corrosion resistance.
2. Stress relief treatment (after welding/cold working):
Heat to 650-750°C, hold for 1-2 hours, then air cool. This is used to eliminate residual stresses. However, note that sigma phase precipitation may occur in this temperature range; it is recommended to carefully assess its impact on corrosion resistance.
Note:
1. Heat treatment should quickly pass through the sensitive temperature range of 600-900°C to avoid precipitation of σ phase and χ phase.
2. The solution treatment temperature should not be too high (> 1100°C), otherwise excessive ferrite content will affect toughness and corrosion resistance.
3. It is recommended to perform pickling or passivation after heat treatment to remove surface scale.
Welding Performance and Process Key Points
S31803 has good welding properties, which is an important feature of second-generation duplex stainless steel:
1. Recommended welding methods: TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), SMAW, SAW, FCAW.
2. Heat input control: It is recommended that the heat input be 0.5-2.5 kJ/mm, and the interpass temperature be ≤ 150°C to avoid grain coarsening in the heat-affected zone and precipitation of harmful phases.
3. Protective gas: It is recommended to use a mixed gas of Ar + 1-2% N₂, which can increase the austenite content in the weld metal, thereby improving the toughness and corrosion resistance of the weld.
4. Filler metal: It is recommended to use duplex stainless steel filler metals such as ER2209 or E2209 that are matched or over-matched to the base metal to ensure that the corrosion resistance of the weld is not lower than that of the base metal.
5. Post-weld treatment: It is recommended to perform pickling or passivation to restore the corrosion resistance of the heat-affected zone and remove welding oxidation discoloration. Pickling is more effective than mechanical cleaning in removing chromium-depleted layers.
Comparison of Magnetic Properties and Application Selection
|
Performance indicators |
S31803 (2205 Duplex Stainless Steel) |
316L (Austenitic stainless steel) |
S32750 (2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel) |
|
Yield Strength (MPa) |
≥ 450 |
≈ 220 |
≥ 550 |
|
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
≥ 620 |
≈ 520 |
≥ 800 |
|
Elongation (%) |
≥ 25 |
≥ 40 |
≥ 15 |
|
PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) |
32 - 39 |
≈ 25 |
≥ 40 |
|
Resistance to SCC (Chlorides) |
Excellent |
Difference (Highly Sensitive) |
Extremely good |
|
Magnetism |
Ferromagnetism |
Non-magnetic |
Ferromagnetism |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
Higher (≈15 W/m·K) |
Lower (≈14 W/m·K) |
Higher |
|
Price |
Medium |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Selection suggestions |
Primarily used in high-strength, chlorine-resistant, and moderately corrosive environments: oil and gas, offshore platforms, seawater desalination, heat exchangers, high-pressure pipelines |
Primarily used in general corrosion-resistant environments with requirements for chlorine-free, low-temperature, low-strength, and non-magnetic properties |
Primarily used in applications with higher strength and corrosion resistance requirements, such as high chloride, high temperature, and strong acid environments |
Applicable Media
1. Seawater and chloride solutions: Excellent resistance to pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
2. Oxidizing acids: Such as nitric acid (≤40%), with excellent corrosion resistance.
3. Moderately concentrated reducing acids: Such as sulfuric acid (≤40%).
4. Organic acids: Acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, etc.
5. Alkaline solutions: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.
6. Chloride-containing oil and gas media: Environments for oil and natural gas exploration and processing, compliant with NACE MR0175 standard.
7. High-temperature water vapor (temperature limitations should be noted)
Note: S31803 is not resistant to strongly reducing media such as hydrofluoric acid and high-temperature, high-concentration hydrochloric acid. In hydrogen-containing environments, duplex stainless steels are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement and require careful evaluation. Long-term use conditions to be avoided include 475°C embrittlement and σ-phase precipitation.
S31803 (2205 duplex stainless steel) is suitable for applications requiring a combination of high strength, chlorine resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance. It is recommended for use in the following fields:
Application Fields
-
Oil and Natural Gas Industry (Core Application)
● Oil and gas field pipeline systems, gathering and transportation pipelines, subsea pipelines, risers
● Downhole tools, wellhead equipment, valves, pipe fittings, flanges
● Separator, heat exchanger, pump and valve components
● Drilling platform modules, fire protection systems, seawater lift pumps
● Equipment for acidic oil and gas environments compliant with NACE MR0175 standard -
Chemical Processing and Petrochemical Engineering
● Pressure vessels, high-pressure tanks, reactors
● Heat exchangers, condensers, evaporators
● Pipeline system for conveying corrosive media (including chloride environments)
● Distillation column, absorption tower, separator
● Chlorate Manufacturing Equipment -
Ocean Engineering and Seawater Desalination
● Desalination plant pipelines, high-pressure reverse osmosis (RO) units
● Offshore platform structural components, seawater heat exchangers
● Ship ballast water system, fire water system -
Pulp and Paper Industry
● Steaming vessels, bleaching equipment, washers, and storage processing systems -
Electric Power Industry
● FGD flue gas desulfurization system, absorber tower, pipelines and flue gas ducts
● Nuclear power secondary cooling water circuit pipeline -
Environmental Protection and Wastewater Treatment
● Wastewater treatment system, exhaust gas scrubber tower, wastewater treatment equipment -
Mechanics and Structural Components
● High-pressure rotating shafts, pressing rolls, blades, impellers, fasteners, and mechanical and structural components for high-strength and corrosion-resistant environments
● Pressure vessels, food processing equipment
Delivery and Customization
We offer flexible and reliable supply chain solutions to ensure you receive S31803 materials that perfectly match your project requirements.
|
Form |
![]() Sheet/Plate
|
![]() Bar/Rod
|
![]() Pipe / Tube
|
![]() Strip/Sheet Coil
|
![]() Wire/Wire Rod
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conventional Range |
Thickness: 0.5 - 100 mm |
Diameter Φ6-500mm |
Outer diameter Φ10-300mm |
Thickness: 0.1 – 3.0 mm |
Diameter Φ0.5-10mm |
|
Customization Capability |
Hot-rolled or cold-rolled plates, ultra-thin plates (starting from 0.1mm), stamped parts, length-cutting to specified dimensions, special surface treatments (pickling, polishing) |
Forged bars, hot-rolled bars, polished bars, shaped bars, and different heat treatment conditions (solution-treated condition) |
Seamless Tubes / Welded Tubes (Compliant with ASTM A789/A790), Fixed Length Cutting, U-Tubes |
Precision strip materials, stamping coil stock, laminated blanking, non-standard width, special protective film |
Precision drawing, welding filler wire, special surface treatment |
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FAQ
Q: What are the main advantages of S31803 (2205 duplex stainless steel)?
Q: What is the difference between S31803 and 316L? How to choose between them?
Q: What is the difference between S31803 and S32205?
Q: What is the maximum usage temperature for S31803?
Q: What is the welding performance of S31803?
Q: Can S31803 replace 316L?
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