Absorption machines, such as those operating on the water-ammonia cycle, are used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems; they can be coupled with renewable energy generation plants to create sustainable solutions that support decarbonization goals. Heat exchangers are critical components for the operation of these machines. In this context, the present study focused on developing a new ferritic alloy using an alloy design approach—supported by thermodynamic simulation software, with the aim of reducing the use of critical or strategic raw materials. The alloy is expected to exhibit higher thermal conductivity than the reference stainless steel (AISI 316) and good corrosion resistance in alkaline environments, such as water-ammonia solutions. The research explored the properties of a new alloy, currently not commercially available, processed via additive manufacturing, with the goal of producing heat exchangers featuring complex internal geometries as single-piece units. © 2026, Associazione Italiana di Metallurgia. All rights reserved.

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