Effects of antibacterial treatment on microstructure and properties of copper-bearing ferritic stainless steel

In order to clarify and predominate the effects of antibacterial treatment on the microstructure and characteristic of copper-bearing ferrite stainless steel, the solution treatment and aging treatment were carried out. Combining the unique electrolyte polishing technique for stainless steel with the imaging principle of back scattering electro-crystal tropism, SEM, TEM and EDS equipment were employed to analyze the shapes, sizes, distribution and composition of the precipitation phases. The mechanical properties, cupping values and hardness of tested materials before and after antibacterial treatment were measured and analysed. The result reveals that the as-treated steel possessed antibacterial property and excellent drawing working ability. The study is helpful to practical application of this kind of antibacterial material.