Effect of rare earth element yttrium addition on microstructures and properties of a 21Cr-11Ni austenitic heat-resistant stainless steel

► Applications of Y in 21Cr-11Ni austenitic heat-resistant stainless steel. ► Sensible characteristics of microstructure and properties have been observed. ► Y has been found be effective in improving hot ductility of 21Cr-11Ni steel. ► Inhibitory effect of Y on S segregation to the grain boundary has been observed.