304L with 2% Boron Alloy Powder: High-Performance Stainless Steel for Advanced Applications
Overview:
304L with 2% boron alloy powder is a modified version of the standard 304L stainless steel, designed to provide exceptional corrosion resistance, neutron absorption, and mechanical strength. The addition of 2% boron enhances its performance in nuclear, aerospace, and industrial applications. Its spherical powder form ensures superior flowability and precision, making it ideal for additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy.
What is 304L with 2% Boron Alloy Powder?
304L is a low-carbon stainless steel renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. The incorporation of 2% boron significantly enhances its neutron absorption and wear resistance, making it suitable for specialized applications in challenging environments.
Composition:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0-20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0-12.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0 |
| Boron (B) | ~2.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.75 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.03 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03 |
Features:
Corrosion Resistance: Maintains the superior corrosion resistance of 304L stainless steel.
Neutron Absorption: Enhanced neutron capture due to the higher boron content.
Wear Resistance: Improved durability and hardness for demanding applications.
Applications:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Nuclear | Reactor shielding and neutron absorption |
| Aerospace | High-performance structural components |
| Industrial | Corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant parts |
Specifications:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Particle Size | Customizable for specific applications |
| Density | ~7.8 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | ~220-270 HV |
| Tensile Strength | ~600-800 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~250-450 MPa |
Advantages:
Enhanced Neutron Absorption: 2% boron content significantly improves neutron capture efficiency.
Corrosion and Wear Resistance: Ideal for aggressive and high-wear environments.
Precision Manufacturing: Spherical powder ensures consistent flowability and uniformity.
Limitations:
Cost: The higher boron content increases material and processing expenses.
Machinability: Increased hardness may require advanced machining techniques.
FAQs:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What industries use 304L with 2% boron powder? | Nuclear, aerospace, and industrial sectors. |
| How does boron improve its properties? | Boron enhances neutron absorption, wear resistance, and durability. |
| Why is the spherical powder form advantageous? | It ensures better flowability, precision, and reduced waste in manufacturing. |