Effects of copper content on the machinability and corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steel

The effects of copper addition on the machinability and corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steel 4Cr16Mo are presented in the article. The results showed that the machinability of stainless steel 4Cr16Mo was obviously improved by adding Cu. When the content of copper in the stainless steel was 1.4%, the machinability of stainless steel was optimal. With the increase in the content of copper, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel 4Cr16Mo was improved. From the observation of the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and high resolution electron microscopy (HREM), it can be seen that Cu-rich phases were dispersed in the stainless steel, and determined to be about 10 nm.