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Steel E90C-B9 N+T

Heat-treated state

N+T = normalized and tempered

Used when the whole weldment can be re-normalized (shop-fabricated components) to fully restore a uniform tempered-martensite structure.

High cost $$$$

Values for the N+T condition

Other E90C-B9 tempers and conditions

E90C-B9 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at E90C-B9.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
760 °C, 4–8 h (heavy-section / multiple thermal cycles)
Choose for thick headers/pipe or repeated PWHT cycles: softer, tougher weld metal at the cost of some room-temperature strength.5456602219 HRC2.9 % IACS
N+TThis page
Normalized and tempered
Used when the whole weldment can be re-normalized (shop-fabricated components) to fully restore a uniform tempered-martensite structure.5807002221 HRC2.9 % IACS
PWHT760Default
PWHT
Standard delivery/service condition: the AWS A5.29 classification properties are measured after this temper, and code work requires it.6007102023 HRC—
As-welded deposit
Interim condition only — never leave 9Cr-1Mo-V weld metal in service as-welded; hardness and residual stress are far too high.9001,150943 HRC—

What is E90C-B9 N+T?

E90C-B9 N+T is E90C-B9 heat treated to N+T — used when the whole weldment can be re-normalized (shop-fabricated components) to fully restore a uniform tempered-martensite structure. E90C-B9 N+T has a yield strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) — stronger than 75% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 218 GPa (31.6 Msi). E90C-B9 N+T has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). PWHT760 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; N+T is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High service temperature — 620°C (1,148 °F), better than 99% of steel grades
  • Good corrosion resistance — 30/100, better than 95% of steel grades
  • Tough — resists crack growth — 120 MPa·√m (109.2 ksi·√in), better than 81% of steel grades
  • High strength — 580 MPa (84.1 ksi), better than 75% of steel grades

Limitations

  • High embodied carbon — 2.9 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 91% of steel grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 26 W/m·K (15 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 87% of steel grades
  • Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades

E90C-B9 N+T properties

Typical room-temperature values for E90C-B9 N+T; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E90C-B9 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

E90C-B9 N+T has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).

Density7.75 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,425°C2,597 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,500°C2,732 °F

Mechanical15

E90C-B9 N+T has a yield strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) — stronger than 75% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 218 GPa (31.6 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus218 GPa31.6 Msi
Shear Modulus84 GPa12.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus165 GPa23.9 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)700 MPa102 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)580 MPa84.1 ksi
Elongation at Break22%
Reduction in Area65%
Shear Strength420 MPa60.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)315 MPa45.7 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)100 J73.8 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell235 HB
Hardness, Rockwell C21 HRC
Hardness, Vickers245 HV

Thermal6

E90C-B9 N+T is rated for continuous service to 620°C (1,148 °F). It conducts heat at 26 W/m·K (15 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 87% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.8 µm/m·K (6 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity26 W/m·K15 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity480 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)620°C1,148 °F
Min Service Temperature-20°C-4 °F

Electrical2

E90C-B9 N+T has an electrical resistivity of 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), better than 95% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.45 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor30/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood resistance to high-temperature steam oxidation and to sulphidation up to ~600 °C; rusts freely in humid air and offers no resistance to acids, chlorides or aqueous corrosion — painting/insulation required off-service.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of E90C-B9 N+T takes about 38 MJ of energy and emits 2.9 kg of CO₂ — more than 91% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)38 MJ/kg16,337 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.9 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water70 L/kg8.4 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability6

E90C-B9 N+T's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability poor (25/100).

MachinabilityFair40/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)45%
WeldabilityFair45/100
Formability (cold)Poor25/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use aluminising, chromising or high-temperature paint instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with E90C-B9 N+T

Is E90C-B9 easy to machine?

Machine only after PWHT (≤265 HB); as-welded martensite at ~400 HB needs carbide or CBN tooling and rigid setups.

Can E90C-B9 be welded?

Preheat 200–250 °C, interlayer max ~300 °C, Ar-CO₂ shielding, cool to 80–100 °C to transform, then mandatory temper at 750–770 °C for 2 h min; avoid dissimilar dilution with austenitic or Ni-rich fillers.

Can E90C-B9 be formed, bent or molded?

Not applicable — deposited weld metal; joint preparation and pipe bending are done on the base metal before welding.

What surface finishes work on E90C-B9?

Grind/blast and apply high-temperature aluminium-silicone paint or insulate; the alloy is not stainless and will rust during outages.

E90C-B9 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
C0.08 – 0.130.1
MnMn+Ni typically limited to 1.40–1.50 % max0.4 – 1.20.8
Si≤ 0.50.3
P≤ 0.010.01
S≤ 0.010.01
Cr8 – 10.59
Mo0.85 – 1.21
V0.15 – 0.30.2
Nbcolumbium0.02 – 0.10.05
NN/Al ratio controlled for creep strength0.02 – 0.070.05
Nikept low to keep Ac1 high≤ 10.5
Al≤ 0.040.01
Cu≤ 0.250.05
Febalance—

E90C-B9 N+T — frequently asked

What is E90C-B9 N+T used for?

E90C-B9 N+T is typically used for P91/T91 boiler tubing, advanced ultra-supercritical power plants, high-temperature steam piping and petrochemical high-temperature vessels. In short: P91-grade 600 °C deposit; highest creep strength in family; requires strict PWHT control.

What is the yield strength of E90C-B9 N+T?

E90C-B9 N+T has a typical yield strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) — stronger than 75% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is E90C-B9 N+T easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades). Machine only after PWHT (≤265 HB); as-welded martensite at ~400 HB needs carbide or CBN tooling and rigid setups.

Can E90C-B9 N+T be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). Preheat 200–250 °C, interlayer max ~300 °C, Ar-CO₂ shielding, cool to 80–100 °C to transform, then mandatory temper at 750–770 °C for 2 h min; avoid dissimilar dilution with austenitic or Ni-rich fillers.

What surface finishes work on E90C-B9 N+T?

Grind/blast and apply high-temperature aluminium-silicone paint or insulate; the alloy is not stainless and will rust during outages.

Can E90C-B9 N+T be formed, bent or molded?

Not applicable — deposited weld metal; joint preparation and pipe bending are done on the base metal before welding.

What is the maximum service temperature of E90C-B9 N+T?

E90C-B9 N+T is rated for continuous use to about 620°C (1,148 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between E90C-B9 PWHT760 and E90C-B9-AW?

PWHT760 is the default condition — standard delivery/service condition: the AWS A5.29 classification properties are measured after this temper, and code work requires it. AW: interim condition only — never leave 9Cr-1Mo-V weld metal in service as-welded; hardness and residual stress are far too high. Yield strength is 600 MPa in PWHT760 versus 900 MPa in AW.

Sources

  1. AWS A5.29/A5.29M — Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2010)
  2. ASME BPVC Section II Part C (SFA-5.29) and Part D (Grade 91 physical properties) — ASME (2023)
  3. ASTM A335/A335M — Seamless Ferritic Alloy-Steel Pipe (Grade P91) — ASTM International (2022)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (Cr-Mo steels) — ASM International (1993)
  5. Metal-cored / flux-cored 9Cr-1Mo-V welding consumable datasheets — Böhler Welding / Lincoln Electric / Kobelco (2023)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.