Steel Material and Method for Producing a Steel Material

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This invention discloses a novel steel alloy that contains 50% to 100% austenitic phase, stabilized primarily by a relatively high concentration (at least 0.6% by weight) of carbon dissolved in the austenite crystal lattice. This minimizes or eliminates the need for costly alloying elements such as nickel or manganese, making the steel cheaper to produce. The patent also describes multiple manufacturing methods, including heat treatment of high-carbon steels, traditional metallurgical melting and casting, and powder metallurgy processes, all aimed at achieving this high-carbon, nickel-saving, hydrogen-compatible austenitic steel.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Manufacture of pressure vessels, including high-pressure hydrogen tanks and pipelines, due to the steel's hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
• Production of pipes, plates, and semi-finished steel products for chemical and petrochemical industries.
• Construction of components exposed to aggressive (corrosive or hydrogen-rich) environments, such as in energy storage, fuel cell technologies, or refineries.
• Fabrication of structural parts where cost reduction and specific mechanical properties of austenite are desired.
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing) of steel components for specialized or small-batch applications.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant reduction in raw material costs by reducing or eliminating expensive alloying elements like nickel or manganese.
• Excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, making the steel suitable for hydrogen storage and transport applications.
• Good formability and mechanical properties due to high austenitic phase content.
• Flexible manufacturing options including bulk metallurgy, heat treatment, and powder metallurgy, covering a wide range of production scales from mass production to small batches.
• Potential for reduced dependence on critical or geopolitically sensitive raw materials, improving supply chain security.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a steel material that consists of 50 to 100 vol.% of austenitic phase, the austenitic phase being stabilized by carbon and the carbon being diffused in the crystal lattice of the austenitic phase at a concentration of at least 0.6 wt.%. The invention further relates to a method for producing a steel material of this type.