Duplex stainless steels are extremely corrosion resistant, work hardenable alloys. Duplex stainless steel plate contains relatively high levels of chromium (between 18% and 28%) and low to moderate amounts of nickel (between 1.5% and 8%). The high corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties of duplex stainless steels can be attributed to their chemical composition and balanced (duplex) microstructure of approximately equal volume percentages of ferrite and austenite. Because of this duplex nature, it will display properties characteristic of both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels. Duplex stainless steels are in most cases, tougher than ferritic stainless steels. Strengths of duplex stainless steels can in some cases be double that for austenitic stainless steels.
