AbstractThe effect of additions of the stabilising elements aluminium, niobium, titanium, and zirconium on the formation ofσphase in the experimental ferritic stainless steel Fe–39Cr–2Mo–2Ni (wt-%) has been studied. It was found that additions of titanium and zirconium increased the overall rate of formation ofσphase, whereas additions of aluminium and niobium decreased the rate. Precipitation ofσphase can be significantly retarded by making an addition of from 1 to 3%Al. The morphology of theσphase formed in these alloys is discussed. Time–temperature–transformation curves for some of the alloys are presented.MST/1567