Question

The austenitic stainless steels is produced by the addition of

• A. Molybdenum
• B. Carbon
• C. Nickel
• D. Vanadium

Hint:

Remember: {Nickel = Austenite stabilizer}. Austenitic stainless steels are often referred to as {18-8 steels} due to their chromium and nickel content.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding austenitic stainless steel.
Austenitic stainless steels have a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, which provides excellent ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. This structure must be stabilized at room temperature.
Step 2: Role of alloying elements.
Nickel is an austenite stabilizer. When added to stainless steel, it stabilizes the austenitic phase and prevents transformation into ferritic or martensitic structures at lower temperatures.
Step 3: Analysis of other options.
(A) Molybdenum: Improves corrosion resistance but does not create austenite.
(B) Carbon: Increases hardness but does not stabilize the austenitic structure.
(D) Vanadium: Improves strength and grain refinement, not austenite formation.
Step 4: Final conclusion.
The addition of nickel is essential for producing austenitic stainless steels.