Interfacial precipitation in hot isostatically pressed diffusion bonds of 17-4 PH stainless steel

Abstract

The embrittlement of hot isostatically pressed (hipped) diffusion bonds manufactured from 17-4 PH stainless steel has been investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) of in situ fracture specimens. Depth profiling by AES has revealed copper precipitation at the interface of the diffusion bond. This precipitation, up to a few monolayers in thickness, occurs during the ramp up to temperature and pressure of the hot isostatic pressing (hipping) cycle and is not readily removed by subsequent heat treatment. This effect is explained in terms of the metallurgical characteristics of copper within the steel. Results suggest that the extent of the precipitation decreases with increasing process temperature. In the case of PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel, where the precipitation hardening phase is NiAl, the interface is weakened by sulphur segregation and the formation of oxide particles.