Atomic-scale mechanism of effect of co-separation of elements at interface of ferrite and austenite on Cr-depleted zone of duplex stainless steel

Three-dimensional atom-probe tomography and first-principles calculation combined with density functional theory were used to study the effect of the co-segregation of different elements formed during the solidification process of S32205 duplex stainless steel on the Cr-depleted zone at the interface between ferrite and austenite.It was found that the co-segregation of different elements formed during the solidification process of duplex stainless steel can also form Cr-depleted zone at the interface between ferrite and austenite.Moreover,Mo,Si,B,C and P atoms promote co-segregation with Cr atoms,which promotes the formation of Cr-depleted zone at the interface between ferrite and austenite in duplex stainless steel.Mo and Si strongly promote the segregation of Cr at the interface between ferrite and austenite,thereby promoting the formation of Cr-depleted zone.B,C and P elements also promote the segregation of Cr element at the interface between ferrite and austenite and the formation of Cr-depleted zone,but their effect is weaker than that of Mo and Si elements.These conclusions provide a new theoretical basis for improving the intergranular corrosion performance of duplex stainless steel.

HYDROGEN ATTACK ON AUSTENITIC STEEL 304 UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HIGH PRESSURE

The hydrogen attack of austenitic stainless steel 304 exposed to hydrogen under the pressure of 5 MPa at 733 K for 2×10~4 h in service was detected.The microstructure has been studied by SEM and TEM.Hydrogen was determined with molten samples which had tempered at.573,673,773,873,and 973 K for 6 h.The results showed that hydrogen attack in this steel was due to methane bubbles which resulted in occuring of Cr_(23)C_6.Thermodynamic analysis of hydrogen attack for stainless steel 304 was discussed.

Mechanism underlying the formation of cloud-shaped defects in 304 stainless steel after hot-rolled annealing and pickling

It is highly imperative to understand the mechanism underlying the formation of cloud-shaped defects in stainless steel to reduce the defect incidences. This study investigated the defect microstructure by SEM, simulated pickling in the laboratory, and performed structure analysis of oxide scales after hot rolling. Results show that the cloud-shaped defects in 304 No. 1 surface （after hot-rolled annealing and pickling） cause the pickling chromatic aberration between the honeycomb-shaped grains of the Cr-depleted layer and the smooth grains of the stainless steel matrix, which is formed in the case of insufficient pickling. The chromatic aberration is related to the uneven oxide scales formed before pickling. With the improvement of pickling capacity, it is possible to completely pickle the Cr-depleted layer and eliminate the cloud-shaped defects.

Intergranular corrosion behavior and mechanism of the stabilized ultra-pure 430LX ferritic stainless steel

Intergranular corrosion(IGC) behavior of the stabilized ultra-pure 430 LX ferritic stainless steel(FSS) was investigated by using double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation(DL-EPR) and oxalic acid etch tests to measure the susceptibility of specimens given a two-step heat treatment. The results reveal that IGC occurs in the specimens aged at the temperature range of 600–750℃ for a short time. The aging time that is required to cause IGC decreases with the increase of aging temperature. A longer aging treatment can reduce the susceptibility to IGC. The microstructural observation shows that M(23)C6 precipitates form along the grain boundaries, leading to the formation of Cr-depleted zones. The presence of Cr-depleted zones results in the susceptibility to IGC. However, the atoms of stabilizing elements replace chromium atoms to form MC precipitates after long-time aging treatment, resulting in the chromium replenishment of Cr-depleted zones and the reduction of the susceptibility to IGC.

Influence of Austenitizing Temperature on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of 55Cr18Mo1VN High-Nitrogen Plastic Mould Steel

The influence of austenitizing temperature on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of 55Cr18MolVN high-nitrogen plastic mould steel was investigated. The microstructure, elemental distribution and Cr-depleted zone of different heat-treated samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalyzer analysis, and trans- mission electron microscopy. The corrosion resistance was evaluated using electrochemical measurements, and the analysis of passive film was carded out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that the volume fraction of precipitates decreased, and the homogeneity of elements was improved with increasing austenitizing temperature. The degree of Cr-depleted zone around coarse M23C6 was severer than that around M2N, and pitting corrosion initiated preferentially around M23C6. The corrosion resistance of the samples increased with the austenitizing temperature. With the increase in austenitizing temperature, the passive film was thickened and Cr（III）cr2O3 in the inner layer of passive film was enriched, which enhanced the corrosion resistance of the steel. The higher content of nitrogen in solid solution at higher austenitizing temperature contributed to the increased intensity of CrN and NH3, leading to the increase in pH value in the pit, and promoting the repassivation of 55Cr18Mo1N steel.