Corrosion-resistant powder-metallurgy stainless steel powders and compacts therefrom

摘要

A process is disclosed for improving the corrosion resistance of stainless steel powders produced by atomization in an oxidizing atmosphere whereby silicon present in the powder tends to form silicon oxides on the powder surface. The process comprises adding an effective proportion of a modifier metal selected from the group consisting of antimony, arsenic, and bismuth to the melt prior to atomization. The modifier metal addition is effective for decreasing the surface silicon oxides and thereby improves the corrosion resistance.