What is so special about 904L steel?
Aug 28, 2025
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What is 904L stainless steel?
904L (N08904, 14539) super austenitic stainless steel contains 14.0-18.0% chromium, 24.0-26.0% nickel, and 4.5% molybdenum. 904L super austenitic stainless steel is a low-carbon, high-nickel, high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel, acid-resistant and characterized by excellent activation-passivation transition properties and excellent corrosion resistance. It is suitable for use in sulfuric acid of various concentrations below 70°C. It also exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in acetic acid of all concentrations and temperatures at atmospheric pressure, as well as in mixtures of formic acid and acetic acid. It can be processed into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, pipe, bar, and wire.
What is so special about 904L steel?
Corrosion Resistance
904L stainless steel performs exceptionally well in non-oxidizing acids such as sulfuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, and phosphoric acid, and is particularly well-suited for sulfuric acid at various concentrations below 70°C.
High Temperature Resistance
904L stainless steel exhibits no stress corrosion after 1000 hours of continuous use in a boiling 40% calcium chloride environment. It also maintains stable performance in pure sulfuric acid below 40°C and pure phosphoric acid below 85% concentration.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
904L stainless steel has a carbon content of ≤0.02%, effectively preventing carbide precipitation and eliminating the risk of intergranular corrosion. It boasts a tensile strength of approximately 2490 N/mm², a yield strength of approximately 2216 N/mm², and an elongation of ≥35%, combining high strength with ductility.
Processing and Welding:
904L stainless steel can be hot worked (900-1180°C) and cold worked, exhibiting excellent weldability and suitable for manual arc welding or gas shielded welding without preheating.
SS 904L Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| C | - | 0.2 |
| Mn | - | 2 |
| Ni | 23 | 28 |
| Cr | 19 | 23 |
| S | - | 0.3 |
| Mo | 4 | 5 |
| N | - | 0.1 |
| Cu | 1 | 2 |
| P | - | 0.03 |
| Si | - | 0.7 |
Mechanical Properties of SUS 904L
| Temper | Annealed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Rm | 71 | ksi (min) |
| Tensile Rm | 490 | MPa (min) |
| R.p. 0.2% Yield | 32 | ksi (min) |
| R.p. 0.2% Yield | 220 | MPa (min) |
| Elongation (2" or 4D gl) | 35 | % (min) |
Stainless Steel 904L Physical Properties
| Specific Heat (0-100°C) | 450 | J.kg-1.°K-1 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 11.5 | W.m -1.°K-1 |
| Thermal Expansion | 15.8 | mm/m/°C |
| Modulus Elasticity | 190 | GPa |
| Electrical Resistivity | 9.52 | μohm/cm |
| Density | 7.95 | g/cm3 |
904L SS Applications
* Petroleum and petrochemical equipment, such as reactors in petrochemical facilities.
* Sulfuric acid storage and transportation equipment, such as heat exchangers.
* Power plant flue gas desulfurization systems, primarily used in the absorption tower, flue, damper panels, internal components, and spray systems.
* Scrubbers and fans in organic acid treatment systems.
If you have a project need for 904L stainless steel, we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We process them into a variety of practical product forms, including sheets, coils, tubes, bars, and wire. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory today. We offer competitive pricing and excellent service.
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