Manufacturing Duplex Steel by Using Induction Furnaces and Characterization

Duplex steels are materials that contain ferrite and austenite phases in their structure, have high resistance to corrosion, and also show improved mechanical values. While the austenite in its structure provides general corrosion resistance and ductility, ferrite provides resistance to stress corrosion cracking and mechanical strength. Duplex steels have widespread use, especially in shipping and petrochemistry. The current production method of duplex steels, which are in demand with a wide usage area, is generally argon oxygen decarburization furnaces (AOD). In addition to the production method of duplex steels, which contain elements with critical values in their chemical composition, the heat treatment process also has an important place. The ferrite and austenite phases in its structure are expected to be at 50% values, so that the desired mechanical strength can be achieved while providing corrosion resistance and ductility. In this study, the production of duplex steels, whose current production method is argon oxygen decarburization furnaces, was achieved using induction furnaces. Accordingly, it is aimed to provide new markets, reduce existing costs and reduce carbon emissions. After the duplex steels were produced in the induction furnace, heat treatment was applied to the produced parts. The obtained parts were examined structurally and morphologically, and ferrite and austenite phases were detected at a rate of 50% in the structure. Additionally, the mechanical properties of duplex steels produced in the induction furnace were evaluated.