Abstract: Nb element is more and more used in ferritic stainless steel to improve its properties. The latest research advances on the influence of Nb on the strength, toughness, corrosion resistance and high-temperature oxidation resistance of ferritic stainless steels were reviewed in this paper, as well as the application status quo of Nb ferritic stainless steels in automobile, building, household appliances and other fields. The main problems in the research and development of Nb-containing high performance ferritic stainless steel in China were analyzed. It is considered that in the future, high-end equipment manufacturing materials such as new supercritical temperature Nb-containing heat-resistant stainless steel should be studied to promote the development and production of Nb-containing high-performance ferritic stainless steel and improve the variety structure of stainless steel in China.

Key words: ferritic stainless steel, niobium, high performance, corrosion resistance, high temperature oxidation resistance