A physical concept for alloying steels with carbon + nitrogen

A new physical concept for alloying austenitic and martensitic steels with carbon + nitrogen is proposed based on studies of the electron structure, atomic distribution and thermodynamic stability. It is shown that the C + N-enhanced metallic character of interatomic bonds can be used for the development of high-strength corrosion-resistant steels of highest fracture energy. Mechanical and corrosive properties of the steels developed are discussed.