Grade 444 Ferritic Stainless Steel — Superior Chloride SCC Resistance for Heat Exchangers & Industrial Use
2026/06/03
Grade 444: The High-Performance Ferritic Stainless Steel
Grade 444 is a low-carbon, molybdenum-alloyed ferritic stainless steel stabilized with titanium. Designed for demanding applications where corrosion resistance and thermal performance are critical, 444 offers a unique combination of properties that make it a cost-effective alternative to austenitic grades like 316 in many environments.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) | Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.025 | Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.75-2.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 | Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.50 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 | Titanium (Ti) | 0.10-0.50 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0-20.0 | Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.04 |
| Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.03 | Iron (Fe) Balance | ||
The addition of 1.75-2.50% molybdenum significantly enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, while titanium stabilization prevents intergranular corrosion after welding — eliminating the need for post-weld heat treatment.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1420-1510°C |
| Tensile Strength | 450-600 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 280 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 20% |
| Hardness | HRB 70-90 |
Key Performance Advantages
1. Superior Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Resistance
One of the most significant advantages of Grade 444 over austenitic stainless steels like 304 and 316 is its outstanding resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. In chlorine-containing environments — common in coastal, industrial, and swimming pool applications — 444 dramatically outperforms 316 stainless steel. This makes it the preferred material for hot water systems, heat exchangers exposed to chlorinated water, and marine-atmosphere applications.
2. Exceptional Thermal Performance
- High Thermal Conductivity: 130%-150% of chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel, enabling faster and more efficient heat transfer — critical for heat exchanger applications.
- Low Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 60%-70% of chromium-nickel austenitic grades. This significantly reduces thermal fatigue, distortion, and warping during cyclic heating and cooling, extending equipment service life.
3. Excellent Weldability
Titanium stabilization prevents chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding, eliminating susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. No post-weld heat treatment is required, reducing fabrication costs and complexity.
4. Cost-Effective Alternative to 316
With minimal nickel content (≤0.50%), Grade 444 offers significant cost stability compared to nickel-dependent austenitic grades. The price of nickel is highly volatile in global commodity markets, whereas 444 provides predictable, competitive pricing without compromising on performance in the right applications.
Ideal Applications
- Heat Exchangers: Superior thermal conductivity and SCC resistance make 444 the ideal choice for shell-and-tube and plate heat exchangers.
- Hot Water Systems: Residential, commercial, and industrial hot water tanks and piping systems.
- Solar Water Heaters: Excellent performance in thermal cycling conditions with resistance to chlorinated water.
- Automotive Exhaust Systems: High-temperature oxidation resistance and thermal fatigue endurance.
- Food Processing Equipment: Good corrosion resistance in mildly acidic food environments.
- Water Storage Tanks: Long service life with minimal maintenance in potable water applications.
Availability
We supply Grade 444 stainless steel in sheets, coils, and plates with the following specifications:
- Thickness: Cold rolled 0.3mm-6mm | Hot rolled 3mm-100mm
- Width: 1000mm-2000mm or custom
- Length: 2000mm-6000mm or custom
- Surface: 2B, 2D, BA, No.4, HL and custom finishes
- Mills: TISCO, BAOSTEEL, POSCO, JISCO, LISCO
- Delivery: 15-20 days after 30% deposit
Contact Us
For technical datasheets, quotations, or to discuss your specific application requirements with our engineering team, contact us today. We offer sample shipments for qualification testing and welcome long-term partnership opportunities worldwide.
