Effect of Sintering Atmosphere and Compaction on Mechanical and Electrochemical Properties of Ferritic (434L) Stainless Steel

The production of stainless-steel systems has created a major impact on the advancement of technology and its application in various industries. The failure of stainless-steel machinery and structural components can be attributed to the important role played by mechanical and electrochemical properties. Thus, there is ample room for enhancement in these domains. The powder was compacted using cold compaction through single-action uniaxial pressing; applying a pressure of 600 MPa. Hydrogen sintering produced a refined pore structure, enhancing strength (222 MPa YS, 410 MPa UTS) but reducing ductility (13.9% elongation). Mixed-atmosphere sintering improved ductility (23.5% elongation) but lowered strength (188 MPa YS, 359 MPa UTS). It has been noted that the specimens sintered in a hydrogen sintering atmosphere exhibited a significant increase of 11 and 18% in the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength, respectively, compared to the specimens sintered in a mixed atmosphere. Fractography showed more ductile features in hydrogen-sintered specimens. Corrosion resistance was higher in mixed-atmosphere sintering, with a lower OCP ( − 399 mV). These results highlight the critical role of sintering conditions in material performance optimization.