Corrosion Resistance

Wet Corrosion
Alloy 309 is not designed for service in wet corrosive environments. The high carbon content, which is present to enhance creep properties, has a detrimental effect on aqueous corrosion resistance. The alloy is prone to intergranular corrosion after long term exposure at high temperatures. However, due to its high chromium content (23%), Alloy 309 is more corrosion resistant than most heat resistant alloys.

High Temperature Corrosion
Alloy 309 resists high temperature corrosion in most in-service conditions. Operating temperatures are as follows:

Oxidizing conditions (max. sulfur content – 2 g/m3)
1922°F (1050°C) continuous service
2012°F (1100°C) peak temperature

Oxidizing conditions (max. sulfur greater than 2 g/m3)
1742°F (950°C) maximum temperature

Low oxygen atmosphere (max. sulfur content – 2 g/m3)
1832°F (1000°C) maximum temperature

Nitriding or carburizing atmospheres
1562 –1742°F (850 – 950°C) maximum

The alloy does not perform as well as Alloy 600 (UNS N06600) or Alloy 800 (UNS N08800) in reducing, nitriding or carburizing atmospheres, but it does outperform most heat resistant stainless steels in these conditions.

Creep Properties

Typical Creep Properties

Chemical Analysis

Weight % (all values are maximum unless a range is otherwise indicated)

Mechanical Properties

Typical Values at 68°F (20°C)

Fabrication Data

Alloy 309 can be easily welded and processed by standard shop fabrication practices.

Hot Forming

Heat uniformly at 1742 – 2192°F (950 – 1200°C). After hot forming a final anneal at 1832 – 2101°F (1000 – 1150°C) followed by rapid quenching is recommended.

Cold Forming

The alloy is quite ductile and forms in a manner very similar to 316. Cold forming of pieces with long-term exposure to high temperatures is not recommended since the alloy is subject to carbide precipitation and sigma phase precipitants.

Welding

Alloy 309 can be readily welded by most standard processes including TIG, PLASMA, MIG, SMAW, SAW and FCAW.