Why is manganese used for austenite stabilization in stainless steel production?

Answer 1

Let's keep it simple. Carbon in iron makes steel. And the trick is to keep the carbon, what little bit there is, inside the matallic matrix when the alloy cools. Cool it too slow and the carbon "falls out" and the matrix lacks the strength it needs. Cool it too fast and the matrix incorporates "discontinuities" and is hard and brittle. By incorporating manganese, it helps keep the carbon in the crystal matrix and it stabilizes the matrix so that it can maintain its shape (chemical crystal structure) through cooling and then again through heat treating and/or machining processes.

Answer 2

Manganese is used for austenite stabilization in stainless steel production because it has a strong affinity for sulfur, which helps to prevent the formation of harmful sulfides that can cause cracking in the steel. By forming manganese sulfides, the manganese helps to maintain a stable austenitic structure, resulting in improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in the stainless steel.