Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362)
Fe balance, 21.5 to 24.5 Cr, 3.0 to 5.5 Ni, 0.05 to 0.60 Mo, 0.05 to 0.60 Cu, 0.05 to 0.20 N, max 0.030 C, max 2.50 Mn, max 1.00 Si, max 0.040 P, max 0.030 S (wt%, ASTM A240 UNS S32304)
Also known as UNS S32304, EN 1.4362, EN name X2CrNiN23-4, DIN X 2 CrNiN 23 4, SS 2327, AFNOR Z 2 CN 23.04AZ · 11 more
Lean duplex 2304 is an austenite-ferrite stainless steel with about 23 percent chromium, 4 percent nickel and very little molybdenum (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362).
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Strength
> 400 MPa
Tensile
> 600 MPa
Chloride pitting
26 -
Density
7.8 g/cm³
Recipe, share of the weight
- Fe balance (the rest)Iron
- Cr 21.5 to 24.5%Chromium
- Ni 3 to 5.5%Nickel
- Mo 0.05 to 0.6%Molybdenum
- N 0.05 to 0.2%Nitrogen
- Cu 0.05 to 0.6%Copper
- C 0 to 0.03%Carbon
- Mn 0 to 2.5%Manganese
- Si 0 to 1%Silicon
- P 0 to 0.04%Phosphorus
- S 0 to 0.03%Sulphur
Best for
Chloride-bearing process piping and heat exchangers, pulp and paper equipment, and strength-limited structures where 304 or 316 would crack or be too weak (Alleima, ATI)
Weakest at
Exposure above about 315 C (600 F), where 475 C embrittlement can follow (ATI); prolonged exposure above 280 C (Alleima); weld metal without an overmatched filler (ATI)
Risk at a glance
- People None found. Element records, not alloy tests
- If it fails High. 885 F (475 C) embrittlement
- Corrosion Moderate. Above 125 C with more than about 10 ppm chloride, do not use SAF 2304
Quick facts: 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362)
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³ | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Yield strength | at least 400 MPa | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 600 to 820 MPa | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 200 GPa | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal conductivity | 16 W/(m·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 13 to 14 ppm/K | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Specific heat | 490 J/(kg·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Maximum service temperature | 280 to 315 °C | 2 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Lean duplex stainless steel 2304?
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the thermal conductivity of Lean duplex stainless steel 2304?
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 has a thermal conductivity of 16 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Lean duplex stainless steel 2304?
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 13 to 14 ppm/K. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the yield strength of Lean duplex stainless steel 2304?
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 has a yield strength of at least 400 MPa. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the tensile strength of Lean duplex stainless steel 2304?
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 has a tensile strength of 600 to 820 MPa. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What are the other names and codes for Lean duplex stainless steel 2304?
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 is also written as UNS S32304, EN 1.4362, EN name X2CrNiN23-4, DIN X 2 CrNiN 23 4, SS 2327, AFNOR Z 2 CN 23.04AZ. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Lean duplex stainless steel 2304 used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Process heat exchangers and piping where chlorides are present; Pulp and paper digester preheaters and evaporators; Oil and gas coolers, piping and flowlines on and offshore, and offshore rig tensioning systems.
Why it exists
Lean duplex 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362) gives about twice the proof strength of austenitic stainless steels, with chloride stress corrosion resistance that ATI and Alleima both rate above the 304 and 316 grades. ATI says its general corrosion resistance is comparable to 316L in most environments, and its typical PREN is 26. Its limits are the 475 C embrittlement that ATI links to exposure above about 315 C (600 F), and Alleima's 280 C maximum for prolonged exposure in pressure vessels.
Where it's used
Process heat exchangers and piping where chlorides are present
Alleima lists these as higher-SCC-resistance replacements for 304 and 316.
Pulp and paper digester preheaters and evaporators
Alleima lists these uses against 304 and 316.
Oil and gas coolers, flowlines and offshore rig tensioning systems
Alleima lists these uses, citing strength, weldability, corrosion resistance and cost.
Recipe
Fe balance, 21.5 to 24.5 Cr, 3.0 to 5.5 Ni, 0.05 to 0.60 Mo, 0.05 to 0.60 Cu, 0.05 to 0.20 N, max 0.030 C, max 2.50 Mn, max 1.00 Si, max 0.040 P, max 0.030 S (wt%, ASTM A240 UNS S32304)
Lean duplex 2304 is an austenite-ferrite steel with a nearly equal mixture of the two phases (ATI). Composition limits in weight percent under ASTM A240 for UNS S32304 are chromium 21.5 to 24.5, nickel 3.0 to 5.5, molybdenum 0.05 to 0.60, copper 0.05 to 0.60, nitrogen 0.05 to 0.20, carbon 0.030 max, manganese 2.50 max, silicon 1.00 max, phosphorus 0.040 max, sulphur 0.030 max, and iron as the balance (ICAST, ATI). Alleima's nominal composition is Cr 22.5, Ni 4.5, Mo 0.3, Cu 0.3 and N 0.1. Seamless tube is delivered solution annealed and white pickled or bright annealed (Alleima).
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Fe | balance (the rest) | Matrix of the alloy, with the austenite and ferrite phases |
| Chromium Cr | 21.5 to 24.5% | Forms the passive film; with Mo and N it sets the PREN (ATI) |
| Nickel Ni | 3 to 5.5% | Austenite-forming element; overmatched fillers carry more nickel (ATI) |
| Molybdenum Mo | 0.05 to 0.6% | Adds to the PREN (Cr + 3.3 Mo + 16 N, ATI) |
| Nitrogen N | 0.05 to 0.2% | Adds to the PREN (16 times the nitrogen weight percent, ATI) |
| Copper Cu | 0.05 to 0.6% | Alloying addition inside the ASTM A240 range; no role printed in the sources |
| Carbon C | 0 to 0.03% | Maximum limit (ASTM A240) |
| Manganese Mn | 0 to 2.5% | Maximum limit (ASTM A240) |
| Silicon Si | 0 to 1% | Maximum limit (ASTM A240) |
| Phosphorus P | 0 to 0.04% | Maximum limit (ASTM A240) |
| Sulphur S | 0 to 0.03% | Maximum limit (ASTM A240) |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Strength
> 400 MPa
measured
Minimum 0.2 percent proof strength is 400 MPa for plate (ATI) and for tube and pipe up to 20 mm wall (Alleima). Alleima says the proof strength is about twice that of austenitic steels.
Tensile
> 600 MPa
measured
Minimum tensile strength is 600 MPa for plate (ATI). Alleima tube and pipe reaches 630 to 820 MPa.
Chloride pitting
26 -
measured
PREN is 26 typical (ATI) and 25 on Alleima's nominal composition, against 24 for 316L.
Chloride SCC
Resists SCC in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride up to about 125 C (Alleima), where 304 and 316 are limited to 60 C.
Density
7.8 g/cm³
measured
Density is 7.8 g/cm3 (ATI, Alleima).
Stiffness
200 GPa
measured
Elastic modulus is 200 GPa (ATI) and 180 GPa at 300 C (Alleima).
Expansion
13 10-6/K
measured
Mean expansion is 13 x 10-6 per C from 20 to 100 C (ATI) and 13.5 x 10-6 per C from 30 to 100 C (Alleima), against 16.5 for 304L and 316L (Alleima).
How it compares
Against 316L and 304L, 2304 has the higher PREN: 25 on Alleima's nominal composition against 24 for 316L and 18 for 304L, and ATI's typical PREN of 26 against 24 for 316L. Its minimum strengths for plate (400 MPa yield and 600 MPa tensile, ATI) are well above the austenitic grades, and Alleima says its proof strength is about twice that of austenitic steels. Alleima says 304 and 316 should not be used above 60 C in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride, while 2304 is safe to about 125 C. The trade-off is the 475 C embrittlement band that ATI ties to exposure above about 315 C, and the 280 C limit for prolonged exposure in pressure vessels (Alleima).
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362) | 2205 (UNS S32205) | 2507 (UNS S32750) | 2101 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity and energy | ||||
| charpy impact energy | > 40 J15 | > 27 J | no data | no data |
| Thermal behavior and safety | ||||
| Thermal conductivity | 13 W/m.K3 | 14 W/(m °C) | 14 W/m.K | 16 W/(m·K) |
| Thermal conductivity | 14 W/m.K4 | 14 W/(m °C) | 14 W/m.K | 16 W/(m·K) |
| specific heat | 490 J/(kg °C)17 | 480 J/(kg °C) | 490 J/kg.K | 530 J/(kg·K) |
| Thermal conductivity | 16 W/(m °C)18 | 14 W/(m °C) | 14 W/m.K | 16 W/(m·K) |
| Physical and electrical | ||||
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³1 | 7.82 g/cm³ | 7.8 g/cm³ | 7800 kg/m3 |
| hardness | < 290 BHN10 | < 293 HB | < 32 HRC | < 290 HB |
| hardness | < 32 Rc11 | < 293 HB | < 32 HRC | < 290 HB |
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³16 | 7.82 g/cm³ | 7.8 g/cm³ | 7800 kg/m3 |
| hardness | < 30 HRC24 | < 293 HB | < 32 HRC | < 290 HB |
| Other measurements | ||||
| elastic modulus | 200 GPa2 | 200 GPa | 200 GPa | 200 GPa |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 13 10-6/K5 | 13 10-6/K | 13.5 10-6/K | 13 µm/m/°C |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 14 10-6/K6 | 13 10-6/K | 13.5 10-6/K | 13 µm/m/°C |
| yield strength | > 400 MPa7 | > 450 MPa | > 550 MPa | > 450 MPa |
| ultimate tensile strength | > 600 MPa8 | > 655 MPa | 800 to 1000 MPa | > 650 MPa |
| elongation | > 25 %9 | > 25 % | > 25 % | > 30 % |
| pitting resistance equivalent | 26 -12 | 35.8 - | no data | no data |
| pitting resistance equivalent | 25 -13 | 35.8 - | no data | no data |
| Maximum service temperature | < 315 °C14 | < 316 °C | < 232 °C | 600 °F |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 13.5 10-6/K19 | 13 10-6/K | 13.5 10-6/K | 13 µm/m/°C |
| elastic modulus | 180 GPa20 | 200 GPa | 200 GPa | 200 GPa |
| yield strength | > 400 MPa21 | > 450 MPa | > 550 MPa | > 450 MPa |
| ultimate tensile strength | 630 to 820 MPa22 | > 655 MPa | 800 to 1000 MPa | > 650 MPa |
| yield strength | > 270 MPa23 | > 450 MPa | > 550 MPa | > 450 MPa |
| Maximum service temperature | < 280 °C25 | < 316 °C | < 232 °C | 600 °F |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Chloride-bearing process heat exchangers and piping where 304 and 316 would crack (Alleima).
- Structures and tubing that need about twice the proof strength of austenitic steels (Alleima, ATI).
- Pressure parts up to 315 C under the ASME Section VIII Division 1 limit for plate (ATI), with prolonged exposure held to 280 C or below (Alleima).
Watch out for
- Embrittlement after exposure above about 315 C (600 F), the 885 F (475 C) effect (ATI).
- Above 125 C in oxygen-bearing chloride with more than about 10 ppm Cl-, do not use it; choose SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 (Alleima).
- Welds need overmatched filler metal and controlled heat input, because the weld phase balance depends on them (ATI, Alleima).
Lean duplex 2304 is a strong, chloride-resistant duplex option, with a typical PREN of 26 (ATI) and a plate minimum yield of 400 MPa (ATI). Keep it under the 315 C ASME limit for plate, hold prolonged pressure-part exposure to 280 C or below (Alleima), and do not use it in oxygen-bearing chloride above 125 C with more than about 10 ppm Cl- (Alleima). No source in this file ties it to a space part, so the space link is open.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| UNS | S32304 |
| EN | 1.4362, 10216-5 (seamless tube and pipe), 10088-2 (strip and sheet), 10088-3 (bar and forged billets) |
| EN name | X2CrNiN23-4 |
| DIN | X 2 CrNiN 23 4 |
| SS | 2327 |
| AFNOR | Z 2 CN 23.04AZ |
| ASTM | A240 (plate, sheet and strip), A276 (bar and shape), A789 (seamless and welded tube and pipe), A790 (seamless and welded tube and pipe), A928 (steel and pipe) |
| Trade name | ATI 2304 (ATI), SAF® 2304 (Alleima), PW 400 (hydraulic tubing, Alleima) |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density | Physical Properties table, printed as 0.28 lb/in3 (7.8 g/cm3); ATI says the data are typical, not maximum or minimum values | form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature not printed | — |
| 2 | elastic modulus | Physical Properties table, Elastic Modulus row, printed as 29 x 10^6 psi (200 GPa) | form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature not printed | An asterisk follows the printed value; its meaning is not explained in the fetched text |
| 3 | Thermal conductivity | Thermal Conductivity table, metric column (W/m.K), 20 to 100 C row printed as 13 | form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 to 100 C (68 to 212 F) | — |
| 4 | Thermal conductivity | Thermal Conductivity table, metric column (W/m.K), 20 to 300 C row printed as 14 | form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 to 300 C (68 to 572 F) | — |
| 5 | Thermal expansion (CTE) | Thermal Expansion table, mean coefficient over range, metric column, 68 to 212 F (20 to 100 C) row printed as 13 | form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 to 100 C meanunit in source 10^-6 cm/cm C (printed as cm/cm°C x 10^-6) | — |
| 6 | Thermal expansion (CTE) | Thermal Expansion table, mean coefficient over range, metric column, 68 to 572 F (20 to 300 C) row printed as 14 | form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 to 300 C meanunit in source 10^-6 cm/cm C (printed as cm/cm°C x 10^-6) | — |
| 7 | yield strength | Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, 0.2 percent yield strength printed as 58 ksi and 400 MPa | form ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimumheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)temperature room temperature | — |
| 8 | ultimate tensile strength | Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, ultimate strength printed as 87 ksi and 600 MPa | form ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimumheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)temperature room temperature | — |
| 9 | elongation | Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, elongation in 2 in or 50 mm printed as 25 percent | form ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimumheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)temperature room temperaturegauge 2 in or 50 mm | — |
| 10 | hardness | Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, hardness maximum printed as 290 BHN | form ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limitheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 limit)temperature room temperature | — |
| 11 | hardness | Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, hardness maximum printed as 32 Rc | form ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limitheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 limit)temperature room temperature | — |
| 12 | pitting resistance equivalent | Corrosion Resistance section, typical PREN table, ATI 2304 row printed as 26; Type 316L row printed as 24; ATI says the figures are typical, not minimum | form ATI typical composition, PREN = %Cr + 3.3(%Mo) + 16(%N)heat treatment not printedtemperature not applicable | Typical ATI composition basis, not a minimum |
| 13 | pitting resistance equivalent | Pitting section, PRE table, SAF 2304 row printed as 25 (PRE = % Cr + 3.3 x % Mo + 16 x % N); ASTM 316L row printed as 24 and ASTM 304L row as 18 | form nominal composition, Cr 22.5, Mo 0.3, N 0.1 (Alleima)heat treatment not printedtemperature not applicable | Nominal composition basis, against 26 typical from ATI; both kept |
| 14 | Maximum service temperature | Elevated Temperature Mechanical Properties text, printed as an upper temperature limit of 600°F (315°C) for use of ATI 2304 under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code | form ATI 2304 plate, ASME Section VIII Division 1heat treatment not printedtemperature 600 F (315 C) upper limit | — |
| 15 | charpy impact energy | Low-Temperature Impact Properties text: ATI says 2304 retains toughness to exceed the commonly required Charpy impact energy of 40 J at -40 C; 40 J is the requirement the alloy exceeds, not a measured result | form ATI 2304 plateheat treatment not printedtemperature -40 Ctest Charpy, type not printed | Lower bound from the statement that the alloy exceeds 40 J; no measured number is printed |
| 16 | Density | Physical properties, printed as Density 7.8 g/cm3, 0.28 lb/in3 | form seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature not printed | — |
| 17 | specific heat | Specific heat capacity table, 20 C row printed as 490 J/(kg °C) | form seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 C | — |
| 18 | Thermal conductivity | Thermal conductivity table, metric, SAF 2304 row, 20 C column printed as 16 W/(m °C); ASTM 316L row printed as 14 at 20 C | form seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 C | Differs from ATI 13 W/m.K at 20 to 100 C; both kept, not averaged |
| 19 | Thermal expansion (CTE) | Thermal expansion, mean values in temperature ranges, metric, SAF 2304 row, 30-100 C column printed as 13.5; ASTM 304L/316L row printed as 16.5 | form seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature 30 to 100 C meanunit in source x10-6 per C (printed as Per °C) | Range and value differ from ATI 13 for 20 to 100 C; both kept |
| 20 | elastic modulus | Modulus of elasticity table, 300 C row printed as 180 (x10^3 MPa), equal to 26.2 ksi at 600 F | form seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature 300 Cunit in source x10^3 MPa (printed value 180) | — |
| 21 | yield strength | Mechanical properties table at 20 C, Rp0.2 printed as 400 MPa minimum; footnote c says tubes up to 25.4 mm OD are guaranteed at 450 MPa (ASTM A789) | form seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mmheat treatment solution annealedtemperature 20 C | Footnote c: 450 MPa guaranteed for tube up to 25.4 mm OD |
| 22 | ultimate tensile strength | Mechanical properties table at 20 C, Rm printed as 630-820 MPa; footnote c says tubes up to 25.4 mm OD are guaranteed at 690 MPa minimum (ASTM A789) | form seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mmheat treatment solution annealedtemperature 20 C | — |
| 23 | yield strength | High temperature proof strength table, Rp0.2 minimum, metric, Wt > 4 mm column, 300 C row printed as 270 | form seamless tube and pipe, wall above 4 mmheat treatment solution annealedtemperature 300 C | — |
| 24 | hardness | Mechanical properties table at 20 C, HRC column printed as 30 maximum | form seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mmheat treatment solution annealedtemperature 20 C | — |
| 25 | Maximum service temperature | At high temperatures section, printed: for pressure vessel applications 280 C (540 F) is required as a maximum according to VdTÜV-Wb 496 | form pressure vessel applications (VdTÜV-Wb 496)heat treatment not printedtemperature 280 C (540 F) maximum for prolonged exposure | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Chloride stress corrosion cracking, dilute oxygen-bearing chloride | low | Resists SCC up to about 125 C; 304 and 316 limited to 60 C1 |
| Chloride SCC in oxygen-bearing solution above 125 C | moderate | Above 125 C with more than about 10 ppm chloride, do not use SAF 23042 |
| Chloride SCC in concentrated chloride (40 percent CaCl2) | low | Threshold stress much higher than 304 and 3163 |
| Chloride pitting and crevice corrosion | low | PRE 25 nominal, comparable to 316L; crevice better than 3044 |
| General corrosion in acids | low | Excellent in acids (Alleima); comparable to 316L in most environments (ATI)5 |
| Intergranular corrosion in welds and erosion corrosion | low | Welds pass the Strauss test; very good erosion resistance6 |
| Corrosion fatigue | low | Better fatigue strength under corrosive conditions than austenitic steels7 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chloride stress corrosion cracking, dilute oxygen-bearing chloride | Alleima says SAF 2304 can be used in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride solutions up to about 125 C (260 F) without any risk of SCC (Figure 9, about 8 ppm oxygen, 1000 hours). It says ASTM 304/304L and 316/316L should not be used above 60 C (140 F) in such environments. ATI says the duplex structure gives greater chloride SCC resistance than 304L and 316L. | environment oxygen-bearing neutral chloride, about 8 ppm oxygentemperature up to 125 C (260 F) for SAF 2304; 60 C (140 F) limit for 304 and 316test Figure 9, 1000 hours, load above yield strength at test temperature |
| 2 | Chloride SCC in oxygen-bearing solution above 125 C | Alleima says at temperatures above 125 C, SAF 2304 should not be used in oxygen-bearing solutions with more than about 10 ppm Cl-, and it recommends SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 for such conditions. At low oxygen contents, considerably higher chloride and temperature are tolerated. | environment oxygen-bearing solution with more than about 10 ppm Cl-temperature above 125 C (260 F) |
| 3 | Chloride SCC in concentrated chloride (40 percent CaCl2) | Alleima Figure 8 shows the threshold stress for SCC in 40 percent CaCl2 at 100 C is much higher for SAF 2304 than for ASTM 304/304L and 316/316L. The figure values are not printed in the text, so no number is recorded. | environment 40 percent CaCl2, pH 6.5, aeratedtemperature 100 C (210 F) |
| 4 | Chloride pitting and crevice corrosion | Alleima's PRE table gives 25 for SAF 2304 against 24 for ASTM 316L and 18 for ASTM 304L. Its critical pitting temperature is higher than 304L and comparable to 316L (Figure 7, potentiostatic test in neutral chloride; no number in the text). Crevice resistance is better than 304/304L and comparable to 316/316L. ATI gives a typical PREN of 26 and 24 for Type 316L. | environment neutral chloride solutions, pH 6 (Figure 7)temperature critical pitting temperature from Figure 7, not printed as a number |
| 5 | General corrosion in acids | Alleima says SAF 2304 has excellent corrosion resistance in acidic environments, with corrosion-rate tables for acetic, formic, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric and sulphuric acid mixtures and isocorrosion diagrams for sulphuric, formic and nitric acid (Figures 4 to 6). ATI says general corrosion resistance is comparable to Type 316L in most environments. | environment acetic, formic, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric and sulphuric acid mixturestemperature varies by table; not summarised as one value |
| 6 | Intergranular corrosion in welds and erosion corrosion | Alleima says welded joints easily pass Strauss intergranular corrosion testing (SS-EN ISO 3651-2 Method A). It says 304/304L and 316/316L types can be attacked by erosion corrosion in abrasive flow, while SAF 2304 shows very good resistance. | environment welded joints (Strauss test); abrasive flowing mediatemperature not printed |
| 7 | Corrosion fatigue | Alleima says SAF 2304 has higher strength and better corrosion resistance than ordinary austenitic stainless steels, and so has considerably better fatigue strength under corrosive conditions. No fatigue number is printed in the text. | environment corrosive conditions (qualitative statement)temperature not printed |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
PubChem lists hazards for elemental nickel, chromium and molybdenum. No 2304 safety data sheet was read.
- Nickel
- PubChem lists H250, H317, H334, H341, H350, H351, H360, H360F, H370, H372, H411 and H412 for elemental nickel.
- Chromium
- PubChem lists H317, H319, H320, H334, H335, H341, H371, H400 and H410 for elemental chromium.
- Molybdenum
- PubChem lists H225, H228, H315, H319, H335 and H361 for elemental molybdenum.
In the environment
The PREN of 25 to 26 holds off pitting, but chloride SCC rises above 125 C in oxygen-bearing solutions with more than about 10 ppm chloride.
- Chloride
- Alleima: safe to about 125 C without SCC in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride; above 125 C avoid oxygen-bearing solutions with more than about 10 ppm Cl-.
- Pitting
- Critical pitting temperature is not printed as a number; Alleima says it is comparable to 316L.
Heat history
The 475 C embrittlement and the prolonged-exposure limit both come from heat history.
- Band
- ATI: 885 F (475 C) embrittlement follows exposure above about 600 F (315 C).
- Prolonged
- Alleima: prolonged exposure above 280 C (540 F) reduces impact strength.
- Fix
- Solution anneal at 930 to 1050 C with rapid cooling (Alleima); rapid cooling also prevents deleterious phases (ATI).
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| 885 F (475 C) embrittlementhigh severity | Exposure at temperatures above about 600 F (315 C)Embrittlement of the ferrite phase; ATI gives the ASME upper temperature limit of 600 F (315 C) for use of ATI 2304 |
| Lower impact strength after prolonged high-temperature exposuremoderate severity | Prolonged exposure above 280 C (540 F)The microstructure changes and impact strength falls; 280 C is the maximum for pressure vessels (VdTÜV-Wb 496) |
| Chloride stress corrosion crackinghigh severity | Oxygen-bearing solution above 125 C (260 F) with more than about 10 ppm Cl-SCC risk rises; Alleima recommends SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 for these conditions |
| Stress corrosion after moderate cold bendingmoderate severity | Moderate cold bending where the material reaches nearly 125 C (255 F) in a neutral oxygen-bearing environment with about 100 ppm Cl-Heat treatment is recommended after bending, because the SCC risk starts to increase |
| Deleterious phase precipitationmoderate severity | Heat treatment not followed by rapid coolingDeleterious phases precipitate (ATI) |
| Weld phase imbalancemoderate severity | Welding without an overmatched (higher-nickel) filler metal, or with unsuitable parametersThe weld and heat-affected zone can lose phase balance, and deleterious phases can form (ATI) |
| Higher ferrite content from high-temperature anneallow severity | Annealing above the 1800 F (980 C) minimumFerrite content rises above the level from an anneal near 980 C (ATI) |
Handling and storage
- Solution anneal at 930 to 1050 C (1710 to 1920 F) and cool rapidly in air or water (Alleima). ATI gives a minimum annealing temperature of 1800 F (980 C) under ASTM A480 and says rapid cooling prevents deleterious phases.
- Weld without preheating, at a heat input of 0.5 to 2.5 kJ/mm and an interpass temperature below 150 C (300 F) (Alleima).
- Use overmatched filler metals: ISO 14343 S 23 7 N L (Exaton 23.7.L) for TIG or MIG, and ISO 14343 S 22 9 3 N L or AWS A5.9 ER2209 (Exaton 22.8.3.L) (Alleima). ATI suggests overmatched fillers with more nickel than the base metal.
- Cold bend to 25 percent deformation without subsequent heat treatment (Alleima). ATI suggests bend radii of at least two times the metal thickness.
- Hot bend at 1100 to 950 C (2010 to 1740 F) and solution anneal afterwards (Alleima).
- Expand tubes in one operation, because expansion needs higher initial force than austenitic steels (Alleima).
- Machine at about 25 percent lower cutting speed than 304L, with a tougher insert grade for semi-roughing (Alleima).
Mitigations
- Above 125 C in oxygen-bearing chloride with more than about 10 ppm Cl-, choose SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 (Alleima).
- Use an overmatched filler metal so the weld keeps a phase balance close to the base metal (ATI).
- Rapid cooling after heat treatment prevents precipitation of deleterious phases (ATI).
- Heat treat after moderate cold bending where the SCC risk starts to increase (Alleima).
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Nickel production by country (USGS 2026)
World mine production 3,900,000 tons in 2025 (estimated). World reserves more than 140,000,000 tons, of which Indonesia holds 62,000,000 tons. Stainless and alloy steel and nickel-containing alloys typically account for more than 85% of domestic consumption. US net import reliance was 41% of apparent consumption in 2025 (estimated). Shares are computed from the printed 2025e tonnage divided by the printed world total of 3,900,000 tons.
- Top producers (2025)
- Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%, New Caledonia 3.6%, Canada 3.6%, China 3.1%
- Recycling
- Nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of US apparent consumption in 2025 (USGS).
- Substitutes
- Low-nickel, duplex, or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels have been substituted for austenitic grades in construction (USGS 2026)
Chromium production by country (USGS 2026)
World mine production 51,000 thousand metric tons in 2025 (estimated, gross weight). World resources greater than 12 billion tons of shipping-grade chromite, 95% in Kazakhstan and southern Africa. US net import reliance was 79% of apparent consumption in 2025 (estimated). Shares are computed from the printed 2025e gross-weight tonnage of 51,000 thousand metric tons. The grade contains chromium at 21.5 to 24.5 percent (ASTM A240).
- Top producers (2025)
- South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%, Brazil 3.9%, Zimbabwe 3.9%
- Recycling
- Recycled chromium contained in stainless-steel scrap receipts was 21% of US apparent consumption in 2025 (USGS).
- Substitutes
- Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use (USGS 2026)
Molybdenum production by country (USGS 2026)
World mine production 260,000 tons of molybdenum content in 2025 (estimated). China, Chile, the United States, Peru and Mexico accounted for 90% of world production. The grade contains 0.05 to 0.60 percent molybdenum (ICAST, ATI), so molybdenum supply applies. US net import reliance is shown as E (net exporter, USGS footnote). Shares are computed from the printed 2025e tonnage divided by the printed world total of 260,000 tons.
- Top producers (2025)
- China 37.3%, Chile 16.2%, United States 15.4%, Peru 15%, Mexico 6.5%
- Recycling
- Molybdenum recycled as part of new and old steel and other scrap may be as much as 30% of the apparent supply of molybdenum (USGS 2026).
- Substitutes
- Little substitution for molybdenum in steels and cast irons; potential substitutes include boron, chromium, niobium and vanadium in alloy steels (USGS 2026)
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: stainless-2304
spore_version: '0.2'
family: stainless-duplex
name: Lean duplex stainless steel 2304
abbreviation: 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362)
role: structural alloy
category: metals
type: steels-and-stainless
summary: Lean duplex 2304 is an austenite-ferrite stainless steel with about 23 percent chromium, 4 percent nickel and very little molybdenum (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362). ATI gives a typical PREN of 26 and a minimum 0.2 percent yield strength of 400 MPa for plate, and says its corrosion resistance is comparable to 316L in most environments with much higher strength. Alleima says it resists chloride stress corrosion cracking up to about 125 C in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride, where 304 and 316 are limited to 60 C.
best_for: Chloride-bearing process piping and heat exchangers, pulp and paper equipment, and strength-limited structures where 304 or 316 would crack or be too weak (Alleima, ATI)
weakest_at: Exposure above about 315 C (600 F), where 475 C embrittlement can follow (ATI); prolonged exposure above 280 C (Alleima); weld metal without an overmatched filler (ATI)
identity:
formula: Fe balance, 21.5 to 24.5 Cr, 3.0 to 5.5 Ni, 0.05 to 0.60 Mo, 0.05 to 0.60 Cu, 0.05 to 0.20 N, max 0.030 C, max 2.50 Mn, max 1.00 Si, max 0.040 P, max 0.030 S (wt%, ASTM A240 UNS S32304)
source: icast-s32304
where: Chemical Composition table (ASTM A240 UNS S32304)
designations:
- system: UNS
code: S32304
source: ati-tds
where: Title block, ATI 2304 (UNS S32304)
- system: EN
code: '1.4362'
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Standards list, EN Number
- system: EN name
code: X2CrNiN23-4
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Standards list, EN Name
- system: DIN
code: X 2 CrNiN 23 4
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Standards list, DIN
- system: SS
code: '2327'
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Standards list, SS
- system: AFNOR
code: Z 2 CN 23.04AZ
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Standards list, AFNOR
- system: ASTM
code: A240
note: plate, sheet and strip
source: ati-tds
where: Specifications paragraph
- system: ASTM
code: A276
note: bar and shape
source: ati-tds
where: Specifications paragraph
- system: ASTM
code: A789
note: seamless and welded tube and pipe
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Product standards, tube and pipe
- system: ASTM
code: A790
note: seamless and welded tube and pipe
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Product standards, tube and pipe
- system: ASTM
code: A928
note: steel and pipe
source: icast-s32304
where: Cross Reference Table, A928 S32304
- system: EN
code: 10216-5
note: seamless tube and pipe
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Product standards, seamless tube and pipe
- system: EN
code: 10088-2
note: strip and sheet
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Product standards, strip and sheet
- system: EN
code: 10088-3
note: bar and forged billets
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Product standards, bar steel and forged billets
- system: Trade name
code: ATI 2304
note: ATI
source: ati-tds
where: Title block, ATI 2304
- system: Trade name
code: SAF® 2304
note: Alleima
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Datasheet title, SAF 2304
- system: Trade name
code: PW 400
note: hydraulic tubing, Alleima
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Forms of supply, hydraulic tubing
tags:
environments: []
stresses: []
applications:
- structures
- mechanisms
properties:
- benchmark: density
value: 7.8
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: not printed
method: Physical Properties table, printed as 0.28 lb/in3 (7.8 g/cm3); ATI says the data are typical, not maximum or minimum values
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Physical Properties, Density row
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
value: 200
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: not printed
method: Physical Properties table, Elastic Modulus row, printed as 29 x 10^6 psi (200 GPa)
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Physical Properties, Elastic Modulus row
note: An asterisk follows the printed value; its meaning is not explained in the fetched text
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
value: 13
unit: W/m.K
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 20 to 100 C (68 to 212 F)
method: Thermal Conductivity table, metric column (W/m.K), 20 to 100 C row printed as 13
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Thermal Conductivity table (metric, 20 to 100 C row)
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
value: 14
unit: W/m.K
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 20 to 300 C (68 to 572 F)
method: Thermal Conductivity table, metric column (W/m.K), 20 to 300 C row printed as 14
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Thermal Conductivity table (metric, 20 to 300 C row)
- benchmark: cte
value: 13
unit: 10-6/K
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 20 to 100 C mean
unit_in_source: 10^-6 cm/cm C (printed as cm/cm°C x 10^-6)
method: Thermal Expansion table, mean coefficient over range, metric column, 68 to 212 F (20 to 100 C) row printed as 13
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Thermal Expansion table (metric, 20 to 100 C row)
- benchmark: cte
value: 14
unit: 10-6/K
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 20 to 300 C mean
unit_in_source: 10^-6 cm/cm C (printed as cm/cm°C x 10^-6)
method: Thermal Expansion table, mean coefficient over range, metric column, 68 to 572 F (20 to 300 C) row printed as 14
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Thermal Expansion table (metric, 20 to 300 C row)
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 400
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimum
heat_treatment: annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)
temperature: room temperature
method: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, 0.2 percent yield strength printed as 58 ksi and 400 MPa
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties for Plate (Yield Strength row, ATI 2304)
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 600
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimum
heat_treatment: annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)
temperature: room temperature
method: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, ultimate strength printed as 87 ksi and 600 MPa
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties for Plate (Ultimate Strength column, ATI 2304 row)
- benchmark: elongation
value: 25
unit: '%'
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimum
heat_treatment: annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)
temperature: room temperature
gauge: 2 in or 50 mm
method: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, elongation in 2 in or 50 mm printed as 25 percent
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties for Plate (Elongation column, ATI 2304 row)
- benchmark: hardness
value: 290
unit: BHN
bound: upper
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limit
heat_treatment: annealed (ASTM A240 limit)
temperature: room temperature
method: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, hardness maximum printed as 290 BHN
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties for Plate (Hardness Max BHN column, ATI 2304 row)
- benchmark: hardness
value: 32
unit: Rc
bound: upper
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limit
heat_treatment: annealed (ASTM A240 limit)
temperature: room temperature
method: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, hardness maximum printed as 32 Rc
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Minimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties for Plate (Hardness Max Rc column, ATI 2304 row)
- benchmark: pitting_resistance_equivalent
value: 26
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI typical composition, PREN = %Cr + 3.3(%Mo) + 16(%N)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: not applicable
method: Corrosion Resistance section, typical PREN table, ATI 2304 row printed as 26; Type 316L row printed as 24; ATI says the figures are typical, not minimum
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Corrosion Resistance section, typical PREN table (ATI 2304 row)
note: Typical ATI composition basis, not a minimum
- benchmark: pitting_resistance_equivalent
value: 25
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
form: nominal composition, Cr 22.5, Mo 0.3, N 0.1 (Alleima)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: not applicable
method: Pitting section, PRE table, SAF 2304 row printed as 25 (PRE = % Cr + 3.3 x % Mo + 16 x % N); ASTM 316L row printed as 24 and ASTM 304L row as 18
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Pitting section, PRE table (SAF 2304 row)
note: Nominal composition basis, against 26 typical from ATI; both kept
- benchmark: max_service_temp
value: 315
unit: °C
bound: upper
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate, ASME Section VIII Division 1
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 600 F (315 C) upper limit
method: Elevated Temperature Mechanical Properties text, printed as an upper temperature limit of 600°F (315°C) for use of ATI 2304 under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Elevated Temperature Mechanical Properties section
- benchmark: charpy_impact_energy
value: 40
unit: J
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
form: ATI 2304 plate
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: '-40 C'
test: Charpy, type not printed
method: 'Low-Temperature Impact Properties text: ATI says 2304 retains toughness to exceed the commonly required Charpy impact energy of 40 J at -40 C; 40 J is the requirement the alloy exceeds, not a measured result'
status: ground
source: ati-tds
where: Low-Temperature Impact Properties section
note: Lower bound from the statement that the alloy exceeds 40 J; no measured number is printed
- benchmark: density
value: 7.8
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: not printed
method: Physical properties, printed as Density 7.8 g/cm3, 0.28 lb/in3
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Physical properties, Density line
- benchmark: specific_heat
value: 490
unit: J/(kg °C)
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 20 C
method: Specific heat capacity table, 20 C row printed as 490 J/(kg °C)
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Specific heat capacity table (20 C row)
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
value: 16
unit: W/(m °C)
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 20 C
method: Thermal conductivity table, metric, SAF 2304 row, 20 C column printed as 16 W/(m °C); ASTM 316L row printed as 14 at 20 C
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Thermal conductivity table (metric, SAF 2304 row, 20 C column)
note: Differs from ATI 13 W/m.K at 20 to 100 C; both kept, not averaged
- benchmark: cte
value: 13.5
unit: 10-6/K
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 30 to 100 C mean
unit_in_source: x10-6 per C (printed as Per °C)
method: Thermal expansion, mean values in temperature ranges, metric, SAF 2304 row, 30-100 C column printed as 13.5; ASTM 304L/316L row printed as 16.5
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Thermal expansion table (metric, SAF 2304 row, 30-100 C column)
note: Range and value differ from ATI 13 for 20 to 100 C; both kept
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
value: 180
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 300 C
unit_in_source: x10^3 MPa (printed value 180)
method: Modulus of elasticity table, 300 C row printed as 180 (x10^3 MPa), equal to 26.2 ksi at 600 F
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Modulus of elasticity table (300 C row)
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 400
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mm
heat_treatment: solution annealed
temperature: 20 C
method: Mechanical properties table at 20 C, Rp0.2 printed as 400 MPa minimum; footnote c says tubes up to 25.4 mm OD are guaranteed at 450 MPa (ASTM A789)
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Mechanical properties, 20 C table (Rp0.2 column)
note: 'Footnote c: 450 MPa guaranteed for tube up to 25.4 mm OD'
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 630
value_high: 820
unit: MPa
bound: range
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mm
heat_treatment: solution annealed
temperature: 20 C
method: Mechanical properties table at 20 C, Rm printed as 630-820 MPa; footnote c says tubes up to 25.4 mm OD are guaranteed at 690 MPa minimum (ASTM A789)
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Mechanical properties, 20 C table (Rm column)
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 270
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe, wall above 4 mm
heat_treatment: solution annealed
temperature: 300 C
method: High temperature proof strength table, Rp0.2 minimum, metric, Wt > 4 mm column, 300 C row printed as 270
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: At high temperatures, proof strength table (300 C row, Wt > 4 mm)
- benchmark: hardness
value: 30
unit: HRC
bound: upper
scope: material
conditions:
form: seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mm
heat_treatment: solution annealed
temperature: 20 C
method: Mechanical properties table at 20 C, HRC column printed as 30 maximum
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Mechanical properties, 20 C table (HRC column)
- benchmark: max_service_temp
value: 280
unit: °C
bound: upper
scope: material
conditions:
form: pressure vessel applications (VdTÜV-Wb 496)
heat_treatment: not printed
temperature: 280 C (540 F) maximum for prolonged exposure
method: 'At high temperatures section, printed: for pressure vessel applications 280 C (540 F) is required as a maximum according to VdTÜV-Wb 496'
status: ground
source: alleima-saf2304
where: At high temperatures section
corrosion:
- environment: Chloride stress corrosion cracking, dilute oxygen-bearing chloride
headline: Resists SCC up to about 125 C; 304 and 316 limited to 60 C
effect: Alleima says SAF 2304 can be used in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride solutions up to about 125 C (260 F) without any risk of SCC (Figure 9, about 8 ppm oxygen, 1000 hours). It says ASTM 304/304L and 316/316L should not be used above 60 C (140 F) in such environments. ATI says the duplex structure gives greater chloride SCC resistance than 304L and 316L.
rating: low
conditions:
environment: oxygen-bearing neutral chloride, about 8 ppm oxygen
temperature: up to 125 C (260 F) for SAF 2304; 60 C (140 F) limit for 304 and 316
test: Figure 9, 1000 hours, load above yield strength at test temperature
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Stress corrosion and cracking section, Figure 9 text
- environment: Chloride SCC in oxygen-bearing solution above 125 C
headline: Above 125 C with more than about 10 ppm chloride, do not use SAF 2304
effect: Alleima says at temperatures above 125 C, SAF 2304 should not be used in oxygen-bearing solutions with more than about 10 ppm Cl-, and it recommends SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 for such conditions. At low oxygen contents, considerably higher chloride and temperature are tolerated.
rating: moderate
conditions:
environment: oxygen-bearing solution with more than about 10 ppm Cl-
temperature: above 125 C (260 F)
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Stress corrosion and cracking section, Figure 9 text
- environment: Chloride SCC in concentrated chloride (40 percent CaCl2)
headline: Threshold stress much higher than 304 and 316
effect: Alleima Figure 8 shows the threshold stress for SCC in 40 percent CaCl2 at 100 C is much higher for SAF 2304 than for ASTM 304/304L and 316/316L. The figure values are not printed in the text, so no number is recorded.
rating: low
conditions:
environment: 40 percent CaCl2, pH 6.5, aerated
temperature: 100 C (210 F)
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Stress corrosion and cracking section, Figure 8
- environment: Chloride pitting and crevice corrosion
headline: PRE 25 nominal, comparable to 316L; crevice better than 304
effect: Alleima's PRE table gives 25 for SAF 2304 against 24 for ASTM 316L and 18 for ASTM 304L. Its critical pitting temperature is higher than 304L and comparable to 316L (Figure 7, potentiostatic test in neutral chloride; no number in the text). Crevice resistance is better than 304/304L and comparable to 316/316L. ATI gives a typical PREN of 26 and 24 for Type 316L.
rating: low
conditions:
environment: neutral chloride solutions, pH 6 (Figure 7)
temperature: critical pitting temperature from Figure 7, not printed as a number
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Pitting and Crevice corrosion sections, PRE table and Figure 7
- environment: General corrosion in acids
headline: Excellent in acids (Alleima); comparable to 316L in most environments (ATI)
effect: Alleima says SAF 2304 has excellent corrosion resistance in acidic environments, with corrosion-rate tables for acetic, formic, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric and sulphuric acid mixtures and isocorrosion diagrams for sulphuric, formic and nitric acid (Figures 4 to 6). ATI says general corrosion resistance is comparable to Type 316L in most environments.
rating: low
conditions:
environment: acetic, formic, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric and sulphuric acid mixtures
temperature: varies by table; not summarised as one value
source: alleima-saf2304
where: General corrosion section, corrosion-rate tables and Figures 4 to 6
- environment: Intergranular corrosion in welds and erosion corrosion
headline: Welds pass the Strauss test; very good erosion resistance
effect: Alleima says welded joints easily pass Strauss intergranular corrosion testing (SS-EN ISO 3651-2 Method A). It says 304/304L and 316/316L types can be attacked by erosion corrosion in abrasive flow, while SAF 2304 shows very good resistance.
rating: low
conditions:
environment: welded joints (Strauss test); abrasive flowing media
temperature: not printed
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Intergranular corrosion and Erosion corrosion sections
- environment: Corrosion fatigue
headline: Better fatigue strength under corrosive conditions than austenitic steels
effect: Alleima says SAF 2304 has higher strength and better corrosion resistance than ordinary austenitic stainless steels, and so has considerably better fatigue strength under corrosive conditions. No fatigue number is printed in the text.
rating: low
conditions:
environment: corrosive conditions (qualitative statement)
temperature: not printed
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Corrosion fatigue section
risks:
hazards:
- text: PubChem GHS notifications for elemental nickel (CID 935) list H250, H317, H334, H341, H350, H351, H360, H360F, H370, H372, H411 and H412. These describe the element, not the 2304 alloy.
ghs:
- H250
- H317
- H334
- H341
- H350
- H351
- H360
- H360F
- H370
- H372
- H411
- H412
source: pubchem-nickel
where: UN GHS Classification (PubChem record, CID 935)
- text: PubChem GHS notifications for elemental chromium (CID 23976) list H317, H319, H320, H334, H335, H341, H371, H400 and H410. These describe the element, not the 2304 alloy.
ghs:
- H317
- H319
- H320
- H334
- H335
- H341
- H371
- H400
- H410
source: pubchem-chromium
where: UN GHS Classification (PubChem record, CID 23976)
- text: PubChem GHS notifications for elemental molybdenum (CID 23932) list H225, H228, H315, H319, H335 and H361, with signal words Danger and Warning. These describe the element, not the 2304 alloy.
ghs:
- H225
- H228
- H315
- H319
- H335
- H361
source: pubchem-molybdenum
where: UN GHS Classification (PubChem record, CID 23932)
failure_risks:
- mode: 885 F (475 C) embrittlement
trigger: Exposure at temperatures above about 600 F (315 C)
consequence: Embrittlement of the ferrite phase; ATI gives the ASME upper temperature limit of 600 F (315 C) for use of ATI 2304
severity: high
source: ati-tds
where: Elevated Temperature Mechanical Properties section
- mode: Lower impact strength after prolonged high-temperature exposure
trigger: Prolonged exposure above 280 C (540 F)
consequence: The microstructure changes and impact strength falls; 280 C is the maximum for pressure vessels (VdTÜV-Wb 496)
severity: moderate
source: alleima-saf2304
where: At high temperatures section
- mode: Chloride stress corrosion cracking
trigger: Oxygen-bearing solution above 125 C (260 F) with more than about 10 ppm Cl-
consequence: SCC risk rises; Alleima recommends SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 for these conditions
severity: high
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Stress corrosion and cracking section, Figure 9 text
- mode: Stress corrosion after moderate cold bending
trigger: Moderate cold bending where the material reaches nearly 125 C (255 F) in a neutral oxygen-bearing environment with about 100 ppm Cl-
consequence: Heat treatment is recommended after bending, because the SCC risk starts to increase
severity: moderate
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Bending section
- mode: Deleterious phase precipitation
trigger: Heat treatment not followed by rapid cooling
consequence: Deleterious phases precipitate (ATI)
severity: moderate
source: ati-tds
where: Heat Treatment section
- mode: Weld phase imbalance
trigger: Welding without an overmatched (higher-nickel) filler metal, or with unsuitable parameters
consequence: The weld and heat-affected zone can lose phase balance, and deleterious phases can form (ATI)
severity: moderate
source: ati-tds
where: Welding section
- mode: Higher ferrite content from high-temperature anneal
trigger: Annealing above the 1800 F (980 C) minimum
consequence: Ferrite content rises above the level from an anneal near 980 C (ATI)
severity: low
source: ati-tds
where: Heat Treatment section
side_effects: []
handling:
- text: Solution anneal at 930 to 1050 C (1710 to 1920 F) and cool rapidly in air or water (Alleima). ATI gives a minimum annealing temperature of 1800 F (980 C) under ASTM A480 and says rapid cooling prevents deleterious phases.
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Heat treatment, Solution annealing
- text: Weld without preheating, at a heat input of 0.5 to 2.5 kJ/mm and an interpass temperature below 150 C (300 F) (Alleima).
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Welding section
- text: 'Use overmatched filler metals: ISO 14343 S 23 7 N L (Exaton 23.7.L) for TIG or MIG, and ISO 14343 S 22 9 3 N L or AWS A5.9 ER2209 (Exaton 22.8.3.L) (Alleima). ATI suggests overmatched fillers with more nickel than the base metal.'
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Welding section, recommended filler metals
- text: Cold bend to 25 percent deformation without subsequent heat treatment (Alleima). ATI suggests bend radii of at least two times the metal thickness.
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Bending section
- text: Hot bend at 1100 to 950 C (2010 to 1740 F) and solution anneal afterwards (Alleima).
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Bending section
- text: Expand tubes in one operation, because expansion needs higher initial force than austenitic steels (Alleima).
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Expanding section
- text: Machine at about 25 percent lower cutting speed than 304L, with a tougher insert grade for semi-roughing (Alleima).
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Machining section
mitigations:
- text: Above 125 C in oxygen-bearing chloride with more than about 10 ppm Cl-, choose SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 (Alleima).
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Stress corrosion and cracking section
- text: Use an overmatched filler metal so the weld keeps a phase balance close to the base metal (ATI).
source: ati-tds
where: Welding section
- text: Rapid cooling after heat treatment prevents precipitation of deleterious phases (ATI).
source: ati-tds
where: Heat Treatment section
- text: Heat treat after moderate cold bending where the SCC risk starts to increase (Alleima).
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Bending section
uses:
- application: structures
device: Process heat exchangers and piping where chlorides are present
example: Alleima lists these as higher-SCC-resistance replacements for ASTM 304/304L and 316/316L, together with instrumentation tubing and steam tracing
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Applications table, process industry rows
- application: structures
device: Pulp and paper digester preheaters and evaporators
example: Alleima lists digester preheaters and evaporators as a use where SAF 2304 gives higher resistance to SCC than 304 and 316
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Applications table, pulp and paper row
- application: structures
device: Oil and gas coolers, piping and flowlines on and offshore, and offshore rig tensioning systems
example: Alleima lists these uses, citing optimal combination of strength, weldability, corrosion resistance and cost
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Applications table, oil and gas row
- application: mechanisms
device: Beams and torque-transmitting shafts
example: Alleima lists high strength combined with excellent corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and low cost for engineering use
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Applications table, engineering row
- application: mechanisms
device: Hydraulic tubing, also sold as PW 400
example: Alleima lists excellent corrosion resistance and reduced installation cost, owing to easy cleaning, for hydraulic tubing
source: alleima-saf2304
where: Applications table, hydraulic system row; Forms of supply
supply:
- subject: Nickel production by country (USGS 2026)
abundance: World mine production 3,900,000 tons in 2025 (estimated). World reserves more than 140,000,000 tons, of which Indonesia holds 62,000,000 tons. Stainless and alloy steel and nickel-containing alloys typically account for more than 85% of domestic consumption. US net import reliance was 41% of apparent consumption in 2025 (estimated). Shares are computed from the printed 2025e tonnage divided by the printed world total of 3,900,000 tons.
producers:
- country: Indonesia
share_percent: 66.7
year: 2025
- country: Philippines
share_percent: 6.9
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 5.1
year: 2025
- country: New Caledonia
share_percent: 3.6
year: 2025
- country: Canada
share_percent: 3.6
year: 2025
- country: China
share_percent: 3.1
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: Nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of US apparent consumption in 2025 (USGS).
substitutes:
- Low-nickel, duplex, or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels have been substituted for austenitic grades in construction (USGS 2026)
source: usgs-nickel-2026
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table; Salient Statistics; Recycling; Substitutes
- subject: Chromium production by country (USGS 2026)
abundance: World mine production 51,000 thousand metric tons in 2025 (estimated, gross weight). World resources greater than 12 billion tons of shipping-grade chromite, 95% in Kazakhstan and southern Africa. US net import reliance was 79% of apparent consumption in 2025 (estimated). Shares are computed from the printed 2025e gross-weight tonnage of 51,000 thousand metric tons. The grade contains chromium at 21.5 to 24.5 percent (ASTM A240).
producers:
- country: South Africa
share_percent: 45.1
year: 2025
- country: Turkey
share_percent: 17.6
year: 2025
- country: Kazakhstan
share_percent: 13.7
year: 2025
- country: India
share_percent: 5.9
year: 2025
- country: Brazil
share_percent: 3.9
year: 2025
- country: Zimbabwe
share_percent: 3.9
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: Recycled chromium contained in stainless-steel scrap receipts was 21% of US apparent consumption in 2025 (USGS).
substitutes:
- Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use (USGS 2026)
source: usgs-chromium-2026
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table; World Resources; Salient Statistics; Recycling; Substitutes
- subject: Molybdenum production by country (USGS 2026)
abundance: World mine production 260,000 tons of molybdenum content in 2025 (estimated). China, Chile, the United States, Peru and Mexico accounted for 90% of world production. The grade contains 0.05 to 0.60 percent molybdenum (ICAST, ATI), so molybdenum supply applies. US net import reliance is shown as E (net exporter, USGS footnote). Shares are computed from the printed 2025e tonnage divided by the printed world total of 260,000 tons.
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 37.3
year: 2025
- country: Chile
share_percent: 16.2
year: 2025
- country: United States
share_percent: 15.4
year: 2025
- country: Peru
share_percent: 15
year: 2025
- country: Mexico
share_percent: 6.5
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: Molybdenum recycled as part of new and old steel and other scrap may be as much as 30% of the apparent supply of molybdenum (USGS 2026).
substitutes:
- Little substitution for molybdenum in steels and cast irons; potential substitutes include boron, chromium, niobium and vanadium in alloy steels (USGS 2026)
source: usgs-molybdenum-2026
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table; Recycling; Substitutes; Events, Trends, and Issues
media: []
documents:
- title: 'ATI 2304 Technical Data Sheet, version 1 (2014): Stainless Steel Duplex (UNS S32304)'
type: datasheet
url: https://www.atimaterials.com/Products/Documents/datasheets/stainless-specialty-steel/duplex/ati_2304_tds_en_v1.pdf
year: 2014
- title: ATI 2304 Duplex Stainless Steel product page (UNS S32304)
type: datasheet
url: https://atimaterials.com/Products/ati-2304
- title: Alleima SAF 2304 tube and pipe, seamless datasheet (updated 2026-02-11)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.alleima.com/en/technical-center/material-datasheets/tube-and-pipe-seamless/saf-2304?show=pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'ICAST Alloys: ASTM A240 UNS S32304 chemical composition and mechanical summary'
type: datasheet
url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20A240%20UNS%20S32304.pdf
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Chromium'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-chromium.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Molybdenum'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-molybdenum.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'PubChem: Nickel (CID 935), UN GHS classification'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/935/JSON
- title: 'PubChem: Chromium (CID 23976), UN GHS classification'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/23976/JSON
- title: 'PubChem: Molybdenum (CID 23932), UN GHS classification'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/23932/JSON
gaps:
- No melting range is printed in the fetched 2304 sources, so melting_point is not filled.
- Electrical resistivity, Poisson ratio, sour-service (NACE) limits, a fatigue strength number and a CAS number are not printed in the fetched 2304 sources.
- Alleima's impact (Figure 2), critical pitting temperature (Figure 7), SCC threshold (Figure 8) and acid corrosion-rate tables are graphs or tables that did not parse as numbers in the text, so only their stated conclusions are recorded.
- The ATI TDS is version 1 dated 2014 with typical data, not limits; no newer ATI revision appeared in the search results.
- Thermal conductivity, expansion and modulus differ between ATI (2014, plate) and Alleima (2026, seamless tube and pipe) at the same temperatures; both are kept and not averaged.
- 'PREN basis differs: 26 typical from ATI against 25 on Alleima''s nominal composition (Cr 22.5, Mo 0.3, N 0.1, which is not a specification range). None was calculated for this file.'
- ATI gives no measured Charpy value. The 40 J figure is the requirement the alloy exceeds and is recorded as a lower bound.
- PREN, hardness and charpy_impact_energy are not in property-canon.yaml, so snake_case names are used. Critical pitting temperature has no printed number in the text.
- The USGS 2026 nickel, chromium and molybdenum texts print no critical-minerals list membership, so critical_lists are empty; the nickel text names critical minerals only in the Executive Order 14285 context.
- Hazards are PubChem records for the elements nickel, chromium and molybdenum. No safety data sheet for 2304 was read, so welding-fume hazards for this grade are not covered.
- Cryogenic data (4 K and 20 K) for 2304 were not found in the fetched sources, and no space source naming 2304 in a spacecraft part was found, so the space link is open.
- No Outokumpu, Aperam or Acerinox datasheet was fetched in this run. ASM Alloy Digest entries for ATI 2304 and Sandvik SAF 2304 are behind a login and were not read. Resellers and aggregators were not used for values.
sources:
ati-tds:
title: 'ATI 2304 Technical Data Sheet, version 1 (2014): Stainless Steel Duplex (UNS S32304)'
id: ati_2304_tds_en_v1
url: https://www.atimaterials.com/Products/Documents/datasheets/stainless-specialty-steel/duplex/ati_2304_tds_en_v1.pdf
kind: datasheet
year: 2014
license: cited, not reproduced
ati-product:
title: 'ATI: 2304 Duplex Stainless Steel (UNS S32304), composition, density and mechanical table'
id: ati-2304
url: https://atimaterials.com/Products/ati-2304
kind: datasheet
license: cited, not reproduced
alleima-saf2304:
title: 'Alleima: SAF 2304 tube and pipe, seamless datasheet (updated 2026-02-11)'
id: SAF 2304 seamless tube and pipe
url: https://www.alleima.com/en/technical-center/material-datasheets/tube-and-pipe-seamless/saf-2304?show=pdf
kind: datasheet
year: 2026
license: cited, not reproduced
icast-s32304:
title: 'ICAST Alloys: ASTM A240 UNS S32304 chemical composition and mechanical summary'
id: ASTM A240 UNS S32304
url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20A240%20UNS%20S32304.pdf
kind: datasheet
license: cited, not reproduced
usgs-nickel-2026:
title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel'
id: mcs2026-nickel
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
kind: report
year: 2026
license: public domain
usgs-chromium-2026:
title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Chromium'
id: mcs2026-chromium
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-chromium.pdf
kind: report
year: 2026
license: public domain
usgs-molybdenum-2026:
title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Molybdenum'
id: mcs2026-molybdenum
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-molybdenum.pdf
kind: report
year: 2026
license: public domain
pubchem-nickel:
title: 'PubChem: Nickel (CID 935), UN GHS classification'
id: CID 935
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/935/JSON
kind: database
license: PubChem terms (public)
pubchem-chromium:
title: 'PubChem: Chromium (CID 23976), UN GHS classification'
id: CID 23976
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/23976/JSON
kind: database
license: PubChem terms (public)
pubchem-molybdenum:
title: 'PubChem: Molybdenum (CID 23932), UN GHS classification'
id: CID 23932
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/23932/JSON
kind: database
license: PubChem terms (public)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-24'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 25
unreachable: 0
caveats: 7
note: 'Read by an AI assistant on 2026-10-24 from pages fetched in this run: ATI 2304 TDS version 1 (2014), the ATI 2304 product page, the Alleima SAF 2304 seamless tube and pipe datasheet (updated 2026-02-11), the ICAST ASTM A240 UNS S32304 summary, USGS MCS 2026 nickel, chromium and molybdenum, and PubChem nickel, chromium and molybdenum GHS records. Composition ranges come from the ICAST and ATI product pages. ATI 2014 values are typical, not limits. Resellers and aggregators were not used for values.'
story:
why: Lean duplex 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362) gives about twice the proof strength of austenitic stainless steels, with chloride stress corrosion resistance that ATI and Alleima both rate above the 304 and 316 grades. ATI says its general corrosion resistance is comparable to 316L in most environments, and its typical PREN is 26. Its limits are the 475 C embrittlement that ATI links to exposure above about 315 C (600 F), and Alleima's 280 C maximum for prolonged exposure in pressure vessels.
recipe:
line: Lean duplex 2304 is an austenite-ferrite steel with a nearly equal mixture of the two phases (ATI). Composition limits in weight percent under ASTM A240 for UNS S32304 are chromium 21.5 to 24.5, nickel 3.0 to 5.5, molybdenum 0.05 to 0.60, copper 0.05 to 0.60, nitrogen 0.05 to 0.20, carbon 0.030 max, manganese 2.50 max, silicon 1.00 max, phosphorus 0.040 max, sulphur 0.030 max, and iron as the balance (ICAST, ATI). Alleima's nominal composition is Cr 22.5, Ni 4.5, Mo 0.3, Cu 0.3 and N 0.1. Seamless tube is delivered solution annealed and white pickled or bright annealed (Alleima).
parts:
- name: Iron
symbol: Fe
share_note: balance (the rest)
role: Matrix of the alloy, with the austenite and ferrite phases
source: ati-product
where: Composition table, Fe Balance row
- name: Chromium
symbol: Cr
share_percent: 21.5
share_high: 24.5
role: Forms the passive film; with Mo and N it sets the PREN (ATI)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table, Minimum and Maximum weight percent (Cr row)
- name: Nickel
symbol: Ni
share_percent: 3
share_high: 5.5
role: Austenite-forming element; overmatched fillers carry more nickel (ATI)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table, Minimum and Maximum weight percent (Ni row)
- name: Molybdenum
symbol: Mo
share_percent: 0.05
share_high: 0.6
role: Adds to the PREN (Cr + 3.3 Mo + 16 N, ATI)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table, Minimum and Maximum weight percent (Mo row)
- name: Nitrogen
symbol: 'N'
share_percent: 0.05
share_high: 0.2
role: Adds to the PREN (16 times the nitrogen weight percent, ATI)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table, Minimum and Maximum weight percent (N row)
- name: Copper
symbol: Cu
share_percent: 0.05
share_high: 0.6
role: Alloying addition inside the ASTM A240 range; no role printed in the sources
source: ati-product
where: Composition table, Minimum and Maximum weight percent (Cu row)
- name: Carbon
symbol: C
share_percent: 0
share_high: 0.03
role: Maximum limit (ASTM A240)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table (C 0.030 row)
- name: Manganese
symbol: Mn
share_percent: 0
share_high: 2.5
role: Maximum limit (ASTM A240)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table (Mn 2.50 row)
- name: Silicon
symbol: Si
share_percent: 0
share_high: 1
role: Maximum limit (ASTM A240)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table (Si 1.00 row)
- name: Phosphorus
symbol: P
share_percent: 0
share_high: 0.04
role: Maximum limit (ASTM A240)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table (P 0.040 row)
- name: Sulphur
symbol: S
share_percent: 0
share_high: 0.03
role: Maximum limit (ASTM A240)
source: ati-product
where: Composition table (S 0.030 row)
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 0
verdict: Element records, not alloy tests
lead: PubChem lists hazards for elemental nickel, chromium and molybdenum. No 2304 safety data sheet was read.
points:
- label: Nickel
line: PubChem lists H250, H317, H334, H341, H350, H351, H360, H360F, H370, H372, H411 and H412 for elemental nickel.
- label: Chromium
line: PubChem lists H317, H319, H320, H334, H335, H341, H371, H400 and H410 for elemental chromium.
- label: Molybdenum
line: PubChem lists H225, H228, H315, H319, H335 and H361 for elemental molybdenum.
- title: In the environment
level: 1
verdict: Chloride and oxidising service are the watch points
lead: The PREN of 25 to 26 holds off pitting, but chloride SCC rises above 125 C in oxygen-bearing solutions with more than about 10 ppm chloride.
points:
- label: Chloride
line: 'Alleima: safe to about 125 C without SCC in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride; above 125 C avoid oxygen-bearing solutions with more than about 10 ppm Cl-.'
- label: Pitting
line: Critical pitting temperature is not printed as a number; Alleima says it is comparable to 316L.
- title: Heat history
level: 2
verdict: Heat history sets the embrittlement risk
lead: The 475 C embrittlement and the prolonged-exposure limit both come from heat history.
points:
- label: Band
line: 'ATI: 885 F (475 C) embrittlement follows exposure above about 600 F (315 C).'
- label: Prolonged
line: 'Alleima: prolonged exposure above 280 C (540 F) reduces impact strength.'
- label: Fix
line: Solution anneal at 930 to 1050 C with rapid cooling (Alleima); rapid cooling also prevents deleterious phases (ATI).
uses:
- where: Process heat exchangers and piping where chlorides are present
line: Alleima lists these as higher-SCC-resistance replacements for 304 and 316.
- where: Pulp and paper digester preheaters and evaporators
line: Alleima lists these uses against 304 and 316.
- where: Oil and gas coolers, flowlines and offshore rig tensioning systems
line: Alleima lists these uses, citing strength, weldability, corrosion resistance and cost.
can_do:
- label: Strength
benchmark: yield_strength
line: Minimum 0.2 percent proof strength is 400 MPa for plate (ATI) and for tube and pipe up to 20 mm wall (Alleima). Alleima says the proof strength is about twice that of austenitic steels.
- label: Tensile
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
line: Minimum tensile strength is 600 MPa for plate (ATI). Alleima tube and pipe reaches 630 to 820 MPa.
- label: Chloride pitting
benchmark: pitting_resistance_equivalent
line: PREN is 26 typical (ATI) and 25 on Alleima's nominal composition, against 24 for 316L.
- label: Chloride SCC
line: Resists SCC in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride up to about 125 C (Alleima), where 304 and 316 are limited to 60 C.
- label: Density
benchmark: density
line: Density is 7.8 g/cm3 (ATI, Alleima).
- label: Stiffness
benchmark: elastic_modulus
line: Elastic modulus is 200 GPa (ATI) and 180 GPa at 300 C (Alleima).
- label: Expansion
benchmark: cte
line: Mean expansion is 13 x 10-6 per C from 20 to 100 C (ATI) and 13.5 x 10-6 per C from 30 to 100 C (Alleima), against 16.5 for 304L and 316L (Alleima).
compare: 'Against 316L and 304L, 2304 has the higher PREN: 25 on Alleima''s nominal composition against 24 for 316L and 18 for 304L, and ATI''s typical PREN of 26 against 24 for 316L. Its minimum strengths for plate (400 MPa yield and 600 MPa tensile, ATI) are well above the austenitic grades, and Alleima says its proof strength is about twice that of austenitic steels. Alleima says 304 and 316 should not be used above 60 C in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride, while 2304 is safe to about 125 C. The trade-off is the 475 C embrittlement band that ATI ties to exposure above about 315 C, and the 280 C limit for prolonged exposure in pressure vessels (Alleima).'
compare_rows:
- label: Pitting resistance (PREN)
benchmark: pitting_resistance_equivalent
scope: material
- label: Yield strength (0.2 percent minimum)
benchmark: yield_strength
scope: material
- label: Tensile strength (minimum)
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
scope: material
handling:
- Solution anneal at 930 to 1050 C (1710 to 1920 F) and cool rapidly in air or water (Alleima); ATI gives a minimum of 980 C (1800 F).
- Weld without preheating, at a heat input of 0.5 to 2.5 kJ/mm and an interpass temperature below 150 C (Alleima).
- Use overmatched filler metal, such as ER2209 or the 23.7 types (Alleima, ATI).
- Cold bend to 25 percent deformation without heat treatment; use a bend radius of at least two times the thickness (Alleima, ATI).
- Expand tubes in one operation, since expansion needs higher initial force (Alleima).
good_for:
- Chloride-bearing process heat exchangers and piping where 304 and 316 would crack (Alleima).
- Structures and tubing that need about twice the proof strength of austenitic steels (Alleima, ATI).
- Pressure parts up to 315 C under the ASME Section VIII Division 1 limit for plate (ATI), with prolonged exposure held to 280 C or below (Alleima).
watch_out:
- Embrittlement after exposure above about 315 C (600 F), the 885 F (475 C) effect (ATI).
- Above 125 C in oxygen-bearing chloride with more than about 10 ppm Cl-, do not use it; choose SAF 2205, SAF 2507 or Sanicro 28 (Alleima).
- Welds need overmatched filler metal and controlled heat input, because the weld phase balance depends on them (ATI, Alleima).
verdict: Lean duplex 2304 is a strong, chloride-resistant duplex option, with a typical PREN of 26 (ATI) and a plate minimum yield of 400 MPa (ATI). Keep it under the 315 C ASME limit for plate, hold prolonged pressure-part exposure to 280 C or below (Alleima), and do not use it in oxygen-bearing chloride above 125 C with more than about 10 ppm Cl- (Alleima). No source in this file ties it to a space part, so the space link is open.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATI 2304 Technical Data Sheet, version 1 (2014): Stainless Steel Duplex (UNS S32304) | datasheet | 2014 | 20 values | |
| ATI: 2304 Duplex Stainless Steel (UNS S32304), composition, density and mechanical table | datasheet | 0 values | ||
| Alleima: SAF 2304 tube and pipe, seamless datasheet (updated 2026-02-11) | datasheet | 2026 | 35 values | |
| ICAST Alloys: ASTM A240 UNS S32304 chemical composition and mechanical summary | datasheet | 1 value | ||
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Chromium | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Molybdenum | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| PubChem: Nickel (CID 935), UN GHS classification | database | 1 value | ||
| PubChem: Chromium (CID 23976), UN GHS classification | database | 1 value | ||
| PubChem: Molybdenum (CID 23932), UN GHS classification | database | 1 value |