Super duplex is a shorthand term for a family of high-performance stainless steels designed with around 25% chromium content in the alloy’s makeup. As the duplex name suggests, this family of alloys have a microstructure made up of both austenitic and ferritic grains of steel. This duplex nature provides Super Duplex’s unique combination of physical and mechanical properties.
History of Super Duplex Materials
The original duplex stainless steel was developed in Sweden for use in the sulfite paper industry. These early alloys were developed to combat corrosion problems common in that industry as a result of chloride-bearing cooling waters. However, while these duplex stainless steels proved to be an excellent development in the field, they did not meet all needs. As a result, further innovation was needed.