Ferritic stainless steels are quite similar in their mechanical behavior to carbon steel. The main influence of chromium is to produce some solid solution hardening. As noted, intermetallic phases may increase hardness (sometimes usefully) and decrease ductility, notch toughness, and corrosion resistance. For example, the graph shows the hardening effect of alpha prime.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Heat Treating of Ferritic Stainless Steels ⇒ Properties
