Nickel-base corrosion-resistant alloys have provided reliable service in aggressive industrial
environments for many decades. However, with recent raw material cost increases, the cost of these
alloys is prohibiting their use for some applications and designers are seeking more economical
materials for construction. Conventional super-austenitic stainless steels have been successfully used
but do not provide sufficient resistance for many applications. However, a 7% molybdenum advanced
super-austenitic stainless steel designated UNS S31277 has been developed. This material offers
resistance to corrosion equivalent to more highly alloyed nickel-base alloys in many applications. In
addition the stainless steel product offers good fabricability and weldability. Thus, it is an economical
alternative to these more costly alloys.
Key Words: Stainless Steel, Nickel Alloy, Super-Austenitic, Corrosion, Fabrication, Seawater, Marine, Chemical
Processing, Welding, Molybdenum, Pitting, Crevice Corrosion