Crompion International of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, recently reported that it has developed Cromgard C23, a specialty stainless steel with 23 percent chromium, 3.5 5 percent nickel, and 1 2 percent molybdenum. When Cromgard is heat treated properly, it develops a microstructure of nearly equal proportions of austenite and ferrite. This microstructure ensures that the grade is much more resistant to stress-corrosion cracking than austenitic stainless steels.
This grade is engineered to be a specialty stainless alternative to 316L, which contains approximately 17 percent chromium, 10 14 percent nickel, and 2 3 percent molybdenum.
According to the company, C23 is a duplex specialty stainless steel that provides higher pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, along with enhanced strength. It is said to be less susceptible to price fluctuations due to the low nickel content. Also, as Cromgard C23 is twice as strong as 316L, many parts can be downgauged, which results in cost reductions in the multi-thousands or more for tank and vessel applications.