Physical and mechanical properties
Stainless steels — Properties. Corrosion resistance

Martensitic stainless steels are almost always used in the quenched and tempered condition. The curves in figure 32 show the evolution of the mechanical properties: R_m (breaking strength in N/mm²), R_{p 0.2} (yield strength at 0.2% elongation), A (elongation in %) and KCU (Charpy U impact strength in daJ/cm²) of grades representative of the different groups.

Up to 300 C, the tempering treatment does not significantly alter R_m and R_{p 0.2} which remain virtually constant. However, there is a slight improvement in elongation...