Influence of the microstructure on the corrosion resistance of plasma‐nitrided austenitic stainless steel 304L and 316L

Austenitic stainless steels are widely used in medical and food industries because of their excellent corrosion resistance. However, they suffer from weak wear resistance due to their low hardness. To improve this, plasma nitriding processes have been successfully applied to austenitic stainless steels, thereby forming a thin and very hard diffusion layer, the so‐called S‐phase. In the present study, the austenitic stainless steels AISI 304L and AISI 316L with different microstructures and surface modifications were used to examine the influence of the steel microstructure on the plasma nitriding behavior and corrosion properties. In a first step, solution annealed steel plates were cold‐rolled with 38% deformation degree. Then, the samples were prepared with three kinds of mechanical surface treatments. The specimens were plasma nitrided for 360 min in a H₂–N₂ atmosphere at 420 °C. X‐ray diffraction measurements confirmed the presence of the S‐phase at the sample surface, austenite and body centered cubic (bcc)‐iron. The specimens were comprehensively characterized by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, surface roughness and nano‐indentation measurements to provide the formulation of dependencies between microstructure and nitriding behavior. The corrosion behavior was examined by potentio‐dynamic polarization measurements in 0.05 M and 0.5 M sulfuric acid and by salt spray testing.     

Investigation on microstructure,mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of AISI 316L stainless steel to ASTM A335-P11 low alloy steel dissimilar welding joints

In the present study, the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel to ASTM A335-P11 low alloy steel dissimilar joints, which are widely employed in the oil and gas industries especially for manufacturing of heat exchangers over 600°C, were investigated. For this purpose, two filler metals of ER309L and ERNiCrMo-3 were selected to be used with GTAW process. The results of microstructural evaluation revealed that the ERNiCrMo-3 weld metal contains dendritic and interdendritic zones, and the ER309L weld metal microstructure includes skeletal ferrites in an austenitic matrix. The maximum impact fracture energy and microhardness values were obtained for the ERNiCrMo-3 weld metal specimens; however, no significant difference was observed between the tension properties. The corrosion test results showed that the ERNiCrMo-3 has a higher corrosion resistance than ER309L. Finally, it was concluded that ERNiCrMo-3 would be a suitable filler metal for joining AISI 316L to A335-P11 for a variety of applications.     

In vitro corrosion resistance of Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels

The corrosion behavior of three kinds of austenitic high nitrogen Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels was examined in acellular simulated body fluid solutions and compared with type AISI 316L stainless steel. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical techniques, the analysis of released metal ions was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the cytotoxicity was investigated in a culture of murine osteoblasts cells. Total immunity to localized corrosion in simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions was exhibited by Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels, while Lotus-type porous AISI 316L showed very low pitting corrosion resistance evidenced by pitting corrosion at a very low breakdown potential. Additionally, Lotus-type porous Ni-free stainless steels showed a quite low metal ion release in SBF solutions. Furthermore, cell culture studies showed that the fabricated materials were non-cytotoxic to mouse osteoblasts cell line. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that the investigated alloys are biocompatible and corrosion resistant and a promising material for biomedical applications.     

A discussion on evaluation criteria for crevice corrosion of various stainless steels

In this study,crevice corrosion performances of a newly developed LDSS 2002 and three commercial stainless steels(AISI 304,AISI 316L and DSS 2205)were investigated and discussed.Crevice repassivation potential(ER,CREV),which was measured by the potentiodynamic-galvanostatic-potentiodynamic(PDGS-PD)test,was applicable to crevice corrosion evaluation of 304 and 316 L stainless steels.However,much lower(ER,CREV values were obtained for DSS 2205 and LDSS 2002.These abnormal(ER,CREV values for duplex stainless steels may be related to the selective attack of the less corrosion-resistant phase,the lower corrosion potential in the crevice-like solution,and more crevice corrosion sites in the PD-GS-PD test.A critical chloride concentration of crevice corrosion(CCCCREV)measurement was introduced for crevice corrosion evaluation of various stainless steels.The derived CCCCREVwas proved to be a valid criterion for crevice corrosion evaluation of both the austenitic and duplex stainless steels.An order of crevice corrosion resistance of AISI 304≈LDSS 2002相似文献   

The effect of TiN inclusions and deformation-induced martensite on the corrosion properties of AISI 321 stainless steel

Stainless steel of type 321 is commonly used for the production of exhaust systems because of its temperature resistance and welding properties, which are better than those of AISI 304 or similar steels. AISI 321 is a titanium stabilized austenitic stainless steel, where this element is added to form carbides in order to avoid chromium impoverishment due to chromium carbide formation. Cold shaping can, in the case of austenitic stainless steel, cause the formation of deformation induced martensite, which can improve its mechanical properties, but unfortunately can also spoil its good resistance to corrosion. Titanium nitride inclusions are cathodic with respect to steels, and therefore cause their anodic dissolution. Martensite is, however, more susceptible to the corrosion than austenite in steels. The main aim of this study was to analyze the pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking which is initiated on prototype cold-formed outer exhaust sleeves during the testing of different cleaning procedures before chromium plating. Various microscopic methods were used to identify the initiation of corrosion and its propagation.     

Fracture and strength properties of selected austenitic stainless steels at cryogenic temperatures

Austenitic stainless steels have an excellent combination of mechanical and physical properties for load-bearing structures of large superconducting magnets for plasma containment in magnetic fusion experiments. To assess their relative suitability fracture toughness, fatigue crack growth, and tensile properties data for five austenitic steels at 295, 76, and 4 K have been obtained. The steels were AISI 304, 316, 304LN, and 316LN, and an Fe-21cr-12Ni-5Mn alloy with a higher nitrogen content than the other four grades. The two principal findings were the systematic variation of yield strength with nitrogen content and a systematic inverse correlation between fracture toughness and yield strength. Data from previous studies are reviewed which confirm the trends of the present data.     

Resistance spot welding joints of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel sheets: Phase transformations,mechanical properties and microstructure characterizations

In this paper, we aim to optimize welding parameters namely welding current and time in resistance spot welding (RSW) of the austenitic stainless steel sheets grade AISI 316L. Afterward, effect of optimum welding parameters on the resistance spot welding properties and microstructure of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel sheets has been investigated. Effect of welding current at constant welding time was considered on the weld properties such as weld nugget size, tensile–shear load bearing capacity of welded materials, failure modes, failure energy, ductility, and microstructure of weld nuggets as well. Phase transformations that took place during weld thermal cycle were analyzed in more details including metallographic studies of welding of the austenitic stainless steels. Metallographic images, mechanical properties, electron microscopy photographs and micro-hardness measurements showed that the region between interfacial to pullout mode transition and expulsion limit is defined as the optimum welding condition. Backscattered electron scanning microscopic images (BE-SEM) showed various types of delta ferrite in weld nuggets. Three delta ferrite morphologies consist of skeletal, acicular and lathy delta ferrite morphologies formed in resistance spot welded regions as a result of non-equilibrium phases which can be attributed to the fast cooling rate in RSW process and consequently, prediction and explanation of the obtained morphologies based on Schaeffler, WRC-1992 and Pseudo-binary phase diagrams would be a difficult task.     

Deformation and microstructure evolution of a duplex stainless steel under out-of-phase thermo-mechanical fatigue

Abstract

Thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) of the duplex stainless steel SAF2205 (X2CrNiMoN22-5-3) was studied in the temperature range of 100–350°C. The tests were carried out on the duplex steel and on single-phase ferritic (X6Cr17, AISI 430) and austenitic steels (X2CrNiMo18-14-3, AISI 316L) similar to the two phases of the duplex steel for comparison. The mechanical behaviour of the three steels is analysed and discussed together with microstructural investigations by scanning electron microscopy, including electron backscatter diffraction and electron channelling contrast imaging.     

Austenitic stainless steels at cryogenic temperatures 1—Structural stability and magnetic properties

The structure and magnetic properties of some 15 austenitic stainless steels were examined after cyclic cooling treatments and low temperature deformation. Magnetic measurements at room temperature, 77 K, and 4.2 K and subsequent metallographic examination suggest that many of the AISI 300 stainless steels such as 301, 302, 303, 304, 304L, 305, 316L, 321, and 347 must be considered potentially unstable with respect to the formation of the ferromagnetic α′ martensite phase on repeated cooling to low temperatures. This structural instability was increased significantly after a sensitizing treatment in the weldable steels 304L, 321, and 347 leading to the formation of up to 11.2% a′ martensite, part of which formed isothermally. Low temperature deformation is even more potent in promoting the transformation, at least 50% α′ martensite being induced by deformation at 4.2 K in the otherwise stable alloys such as 309 and the 0.2% N versions of 304L and 316L. The high alloy steels 310 and Kromarc 55 remain fully a austenitic even after deformation to rupture at 4.2 K. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of the latter alloys and Incoloy 800 indicates that their low temperature structural stability is associated with magnetic transitions which occur within the austenite phase.     

Corrosion behaviour of steels and refractory metals in flowing Lead-Bismuth Eutectic at low oxygen activity

The corrosion behaviours of AISI 316L and T91 steels, and several refractory metals as W, Mo and Ta, were investigated in flowing lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 400°C. The tests were performed in the LECOR (Lead Corrosion) loop, at low oxygen activity in LBE. The results obtained show that all materials exhibited a weight loss after exposure to the flowing LBE, except for the case of tantalum, which exhibits a weight gain. The resistance to corrosion offered by refractory metals has been found higher in comparison to the case of both steels. Moreover, the austenitic steel behaved more resistance to corrosion induced by LBE than the martensitic steel, under the test condition adopted.     

A review on nickel-free nitrogen containing austenitic stainless steels for biomedical applications

The field of biomaterials has become a vital area, as these materials can enhance the quality and longevity of human life. Metallic materials are often used as biomaterials to replace structural components of the human body. Stainless steels, cobalt–chromium alloys, commercially pure titanium and its alloys are typical metallic biomaterials that are being used for implant devices. Stainless steels have been widely used as biomaterials because of their very low cost as compared to other metallic materials, good mechanical and corrosion resistant properties and adequate biocompatibility. However, the adverse effects of nickel ions being released into the human body have promoted the development of “nickel-free nitrogen containing austenitic stainless steels” for medical applications. Nitrogen not only replaces nickel for austenitic structure stability but also much improves steel properties. Here we review the harmful effects associated with nickel and emphatically the advantages of nitrogen in stainless steel, as well as the development of nickel-free nitrogen containing stainless steels for medical applications. By combining the benefits of stable austenitic structure, high strength, better corrosion and wear resistance and superior biocompatibility in comparison to the currently used austenitic stainless steel (e.g. 316L), the newly developed nickel-free high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel is a reliable substitute for the conventionally used medical stainless steels.     

The effect of preheat & post weld heat treatment on the laser weldability of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel

The martensitic stainless steels are widely used in many industries with their excellent mechanical properties and sufficient corrosion resistance. These steels usually are used for a wide range of applications like nuclear power plants, steam generators, mixer blades, pressure vessels, turbine blades, surgical tools, instrument manufacturing and so on. Contrary to good mechanical and corrosion properties of martensitic steels, poor weldability and cold cracking sensitivity are major problems that are faced in joining of these steels. In this study, the weldability of AISI 420 (X30Cr13) martensitic stainless steel by CO₂ laser beam welding method has been investigated. Effects of pre and post weld heat treatments on mechanical properties and microstructure of laser welded AISI 420 martensitic stainless have also been determined. As a conclusion, it was determined that pre and post weld heat treatments sufficiently improved the mechanical properties of the welds.     

Corrosion properties of S-phase layers formed on medical grade austenitic stainless steel

The corrosion properties of S-phase surface layers formed in AISI 316LVM (ASTM F138) and High-N (ASTM F1586) medical grade austenitic stainless steels by plasma surface alloying with nitrogen (at 430°C), carbon (at 500°C) and both carbon and nitrogen (at 430°C) has been investigated. The corrosion behaviour of the S-phase layers in Ringer’s solutions was evaluated using potentiodynamic and immersion corrosion tests. The corrosion damage was evaluated using microscopy, hardness testing, inductive coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The experimental results have demonstrated that low-temperature nitriding, carburising and carbonitriding can improve the localised corrosion resistance of both industrial and medical grade austenitic stainless steels as long as the threshold sensitisation temperature is not reached. Carburising at 500°C has proved to be the best hardening treatment with the least effect on the corrosion resistance of the parent alloy.     

Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Dissimilar Weld-Joints between Duplex Stainless Steel 2205 and Austenitic Stainless Steel 316L

The microstructure and corrosion resistance of dissimilar weld-joints between stainless steel SAF 2205 and stainless steel AISI 316 L were investigated. Welding was accomplished by different types of welding wires AWS ER 347, AWS ER 316 L and AWS ER 309 L. To verify soundness of welded samples, nondestructive tests were performed. Metallographic samples were prepared from cross-section areas of weldjoints to investigate microstructure of different regions of weld-joints by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Corrosion resistance of weld-joints was evaluated in NaCl solution by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques. In the weld metal AWS ER 347, the brittle sigma phase was created, resulting in the decrease of weld-joint corrosion resistance. According to the results of metallurgical investigations and corrosion tests, welding wire AWS ER 309 L was suitable for welding duplex stainless steel(SAF 2205) to austenitic stainless steel(AISI 316L) by gas tungsten arc welding(GTAW)process.     

Cyclic deformation behaviour,microstructural evolution and fatigue life of duplex steel AISI 329 LN

This paper summarises fatigue results obtained on the duplex steel AISI 329 LN (German designation 1.4462). For the characterisation of the fatigue behaviour, the mechanical stress–strain hysteresis loops, the temperature change and the evolution of the electrical resistance were monitored. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to investigate the microstructural changes caused by the fatigue loading. The data were used to apply the fatigue life calculation method “PHYBAL_LIT”. This procedure requires only one load increase test and two constant amplitude tests for a timesaving and material-efficient assessment of S–N (Woehler) curves. The method has already been successfully applied to different carbon and austenitic steels as well as lightweight materials. The results show an excellent agreement between the conventionally determined and the calculated fatigue lifetimes. This agreement is rationalized on a microstructural basis.     

Development of high nitrogen, low nickel, 18%Cr austenitic stainless steels

Two high nitrogen stainless steels are studied through metallographic, mechanical and corrosionistic tests and the results are compared with those shown by a standard AISI 304. These high nitrogen steels show a significantly higher mechanical strength than usual AISI 304 while their corrosion resistance lie among that of standard austenitic and that of standard ferritic stainless steels.     

Degradation of mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of AISI 317L steel exposed at 550 °C

The use of austenitic stainless steel type AISI 317L has increased in the last years, in substitution to AISI 316L and other austenitic grades. The higher Mo content (3.0 wt.%. at least) gives higher corrosion resistance to AISI 317L. However, some concern arises when this material is selected to high temperature process services in refineries. Microstructural changes such as chromium carbide precipitation and sigma phase formation may occur in prolonged exposure above 450 °C. In this work, the microstructure evolution of AISI 317L steel during aging at 550 °C was analyzed. Thermodynamic calculations with Thermocalc® and detailed microstructural analysis were performed in steel plate base metal and in weld metal produced by GTAW process. The aging for 200, 300 and 400 h promoted gradual embrittlement and deterioration of corrosion resistance of both weld and base metal. The results show that the selection of AISI 317L steel to services where temperatures can reach 550 °C is not recommended.     

Functional properties of a spark plasma sintered ultrafine-grained 316L steel

A micrometric austenitic stainless steel 316L powder was densified by spark plasma sintering. The process parameters were varied over wide ranges and the impact of such variations on sintered materials was studied through the characterization of their microstructures, densities, hardness and corrosion resistance. For comparison with the properties of traditionally cast 316L, all these investigations were also systematically carried out on as cast samples. The sintered stainless steel produced this way was highly densified, with grains of a micrometric size and the forming process did not induce any residual strain gradients as shown by transmission electronic microscopy analysis. The investigation of the corresponding mechanical properties reveals an enhancement of hardness up to twice the value measured on one sample of as cast 316L. This result is in good agreement with the Hall–Petch formalism. Additionally, in the matter of corrosion behavior, fully dense samples display an enhanced passive state in chloride media compared to as cast material. Spark plasma sintering appears to be an interesting alternative elaboration way of ultrafine 316L stainless steel giving materials with high stress resistance, without strain gradients through the volume, and promising functional properties concerning corrosion behavior.     

Development of nitrogen-containing nickel-free austenitic stainless steels for metallic biomaterials—review

Metallic biomaterials—such as 316L stainless steel and cobalt-based alloys—have been used as biomaterials mainly because of their excellent mechanical and corrosion properties. However, the release of nickel trace elements—which cause toxicity—has prompted the development of nitrogen-containing nickel-free austenitic stainless steels. This paper reviews their development, traces the history of 316L stainless steel, and the improvement of properties by nitrogen addition. These steels are now available for production of implant devices such as bone plates and screws. Such production requires special techniques with nitrogen absorption treatment.     

Surface hardness improvement of plasma-sprayed AISI 316L stainless steel coating by low-temperature plasma carburizing

Low-temperature carburizing below 773 K of austenite stainless steel can produce expanded austenite, known as S-phase, where surface hardness is improved while corrosion resistance is retained. Plasma-sprayed austenitic AISI 316L stainless steel coatings were carburized at low temperatures to enhance wear resistance. Because the sprayed AISI 316L coatings include oxide layers synthesized in the air during the plasma spraying process, the oxide layers may restrict carbon diffusion. We found that the carbon content of the sprayed AISI 316L coatings by low-temperature carburizing was less than that of the AISI 316L steel plates; however, there was little difference in the thickness of the carburized layers. The Vickers hardness of the carburized AISI 316L spray coating was above 1000 HV and the amount of specific wear by dry sliding wear was improved by two orders of magnitude. We conclude that low-temperature plasma carburizing enabling the sprayed coatings to enhance the wear resistance to the level of carburized AISI 316L stainless steel plates. As for corrosion resistance in a 3.5 mass% NaCl solution, the carburized AISI 316L spray coating was slightly inferior to the as-sprayed AISI 316L coating.