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).

10 sources · Updated 2026-10-24 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

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)

Key properties of 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362)
PropertyValueBasis
Density7.8 g/cm³2 sourced values across conditions
Yield strengthat least 400 MPa2 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength600 to 820 MPa2 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus200 GPa1 sourced value
Thermal conductivity16 W/(m·K)1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)13 to 14 ppm/K3 sourced values across conditions
Specific heat490 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Maximum service temperature280 to 315 °C2 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).

What 2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat 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.

Benchmarks
Measurement2304 (UNS S32304, EN 1.4362)2205 (UNS S32205)2507 (UNS S32750)2101
Capacity and energy
charpy impact energy> 40 J15> 27 Jno datano data
Thermal behavior and safety
Thermal conductivity13 W/m.K314 W/(m °C)14 W/m.K16 W/(m·K)
Thermal conductivity14 W/m.K414 W/(m °C)14 W/m.K16 W/(m·K)
specific heat490 J/(kg °C)17480 J/(kg °C)490 J/kg.K530 J/(kg·K)
Thermal conductivity16 W/(m °C)1814 W/(m °C)14 W/m.K16 W/(m·K)
Physical and electrical
Density7.8 g/cm³17.82 g/cm³7.8 g/cm³7800 kg/m3
hardness< 290 BHN10< 293 HB< 32 HRC< 290 HB
hardness< 32 Rc11< 293 HB< 32 HRC< 290 HB
Density7.8 g/cm³167.82 g/cm³7.8 g/cm³7800 kg/m3
hardness< 30 HRC24< 293 HB< 32 HRC< 290 HB
Other measurements
elastic modulus200 GPa2200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa
Thermal expansion (CTE)13 10-6/K513 10-6/K13.5 10-6/K13 µm/m/°C
Thermal expansion (CTE)14 10-6/K613 10-6/K13.5 10-6/K13 µm/m/°C
yield strength> 400 MPa7> 450 MPa> 550 MPa> 450 MPa
ultimate tensile strength> 600 MPa8> 655 MPa800 to 1000 MPa> 650 MPa
elongation> 25 %9> 25 %> 25 %> 30 %
pitting resistance equivalent26 -1235.8 -no datano data
pitting resistance equivalent25 -1335.8 -no datano data
Maximum service temperature< 315 °C14< 316 °C< 232 °C600 °F
Thermal expansion (CTE)13.5 10-6/K1913 10-6/K13.5 10-6/K13 µm/m/°C
elastic modulus180 GPa20200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa
yield strength> 400 MPa21> 450 MPa> 550 MPa> 450 MPa
ultimate tensile strength630 to 820 MPa22> 655 MPa800 to 1000 MPa> 650 MPa
yield strength> 270 MPa23> 450 MPa> 550 MPa> 450 MPa
Maximum service temperature< 280 °C25< 316 °C< 232 °C600 °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.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSS32304
EN1.4362, 10216-5 (seamless tube and pipe), 10088-2 (strip and sheet), 10088-3 (bar and forged billets)
EN nameX2CrNiN23-4
DINX 2 CrNiN 23 4
SS2327
AFNORZ 2 CN 23.04AZ
ASTMA240 (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 nameATI 2304 (ATI), SAF® 2304 (Alleima), PW 400 (hydraulic tubing, Alleima)

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1DensityPhysical Properties table, printed as 0.28 lb/in3 (7.8 g/cm3); ATI says the data are typical, not maximum or minimum valuesform ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature not printed—
2elastic modulusPhysical 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 printedAn asterisk follows the printed value; its meaning is not explained in the fetched text
3Thermal conductivityThermal Conductivity table, metric column (W/m.K), 20 to 100 C row printed as 13form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 to 100 C (68 to 212 F)—
4Thermal conductivityThermal Conductivity table, metric column (W/m.K), 20 to 300 C row printed as 14form ATI 2304 plate (TDS typical data)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 to 300 C (68 to 572 F)—
5Thermal expansion (CTE)Thermal Expansion table, mean coefficient over range, metric column, 68 to 212 F (20 to 100 C) row printed as 13form 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)—
6Thermal expansion (CTE)Thermal Expansion table, mean coefficient over range, metric column, 68 to 572 F (20 to 300 C) row printed as 14form 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)—
7yield strengthMinimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, 0.2 percent yield strength printed as 58 ksi and 400 MPaform ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimumheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)temperature room temperature—
8ultimate tensile strengthMinimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, ultimate strength printed as 87 ksi and 600 MPaform ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimumheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)temperature room temperature—
9elongationMinimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, elongation in 2 in or 50 mm printed as 25 percentform ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 minimumheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 minimum)temperature room temperaturegauge 2 in or 50 mm—
10hardnessMinimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, hardness maximum printed as 290 BHNform ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limitheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 limit)temperature room temperature—
11hardnessMinimum Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table for plate, hardness maximum printed as 32 Rcform ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limitheat treatment annealed (ASTM A240 limit)temperature room temperature—
12pitting resistance equivalentCorrosion Resistance section, typical PREN table, ATI 2304 row printed as 26; Type 316L row printed as 24; ATI says the figures are typical, not minimumform ATI typical composition, PREN = %Cr + 3.3(%Mo) + 16(%N)heat treatment not printedtemperature not applicableTypical ATI composition basis, not a minimum
13pitting resistance equivalentPitting 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 18form nominal composition, Cr 22.5, Mo 0.3, N 0.1 (Alleima)heat treatment not printedtemperature not applicableNominal composition basis, against 26 typical from ATI; both kept
14Maximum service temperatureElevated 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 Codeform ATI 2304 plate, ASME Section VIII Division 1heat treatment not printedtemperature 600 F (315 C) upper limit—
15charpy impact energyLow-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 resultform ATI 2304 plateheat treatment not printedtemperature -40 Ctest Charpy, type not printedLower bound from the statement that the alloy exceeds 40 J; no measured number is printed
16DensityPhysical properties, printed as Density 7.8 g/cm3, 0.28 lb/in3form seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature not printed—
17specific heatSpecific 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—
18Thermal conductivityThermal conductivity table, metric, SAF 2304 row, 20 C column printed as 16 W/(m °C); ASTM 316L row printed as 14 at 20 Cform seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature 20 CDiffers from ATI 13 W/m.K at 20 to 100 C; both kept, not averaged
19Thermal 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 16.5form 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
20elastic modulusModulus of elasticity table, 300 C row printed as 180 (x10^3 MPa), equal to 26.2 ksi at 600 Fform seamless tube and pipe (SAF 2304 datasheet)heat treatment not printedtemperature 300 Cunit in source x10^3 MPa (printed value 180)—
21yield strengthMechanical 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 CFootnote c: 450 MPa guaranteed for tube up to 25.4 mm OD
22ultimate tensile strengthMechanical 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—
23yield strengthHigh temperature proof strength table, Rp0.2 minimum, metric, Wt > 4 mm column, 300 C row printed as 270form seamless tube and pipe, wall above 4 mmheat treatment solution annealedtemperature 300 C—
24hardnessMechanical properties table at 20 C, HRC column printed as 30 maximumform seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mmheat treatment solution annealedtemperature 20 C—
25Maximum service temperatureAt high temperatures section, printed: for pressure vessel applications 280 C (540 F) is required as a maximum according to VdTÜV-Wb 496form 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.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat 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
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest 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 risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
885 F (475 C) embrittlementhigh severityExposure 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 severityProlonged 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 severityOxygen-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 severityModerate 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 severityHeat treatment not followed by rapid coolingDeleterious phases precipitate (ATI)
Weld phase imbalancemoderate severityWelding 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 severityAnnealing 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)