| Abstract: | Testing of weld-claddings with austenitic band electrodes of the type X2CrNiNb24 13 for resistance against intercrystalline corrosion Two-phase, austenite- and ferrite-containing weld claddings of the 24 Cr-13 Ni-type may become susceptible to intercrystalline corrosion after heat-treatment in the 550°C temperature range due to a sensitization of the austenite. Thus, both austenite/austenite- and austenite/ferrite grain boundaries are attacked with the attack starting from the austenite phase in the latter case. Testing the resistance to intercrystalline corrosion in a sulphuric acid/copper sulphate media in the presence of copper turnings according to DIN 50914, the attack of grain boundaries ferrite/austenite becomes evident only if the specimens are bent after testing. Non-bent specimens do not show any indication of grain boundary attack by light-optical or even electron-microscopical metallographic examination. At non-bent specimens, the attack may become recognizable with considerably prolonged (several hundred hours) testing time. Referring to the investigations performed, the mechanism of intercrystalline corrosion of two-phase, ferritic-austenitic stainless steels and the influence of heat-treatment on susceptibility to intergranular attack are discussed. |
