Duplex stainless steels are extremely corrosion resistant, work hardenable alloys. Duplex stainless steel plate contains relatively high levels of chromium (between 18% and 28%) and low to moderate amounts of nickel (between 1.5% and 8%). The high corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties of duplex stainless steels can be attributed to their chemical composition and balanced (duplex) microstructure of approximately equal volume percentages of ferrite and austenite. Because of this duplex nature, it will display properties characteristic of both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels.

They are typically used in chemical processing, transport and storage, oil and gas exploration and offshore rigs, oil and gas refining, marine environments, pollution control equipment, pulp and paper manufacturing and etc.