The role of retained austenite in stress corrosion cracking of steels

The ability of retained austenite to affect stress corrosion cracking susceptibility has been examined in two steels, containing mechanically stable and unstable retained austenite of varying amounts and distributions. While limited improvements due to this constituent were observed in both threshold (where it may act as a compcting energy trap) and in growth rates (where it can act as a mechanical barrier and hydrogen sink), these were neither consistent nor more effective than other heterogeneities. Contrary to popular belief, retained austenite does not appear to be a consistently effective microstructural constituent, at least if the aim is to improve SCC performance at strength levels up to about 1000 MPa.