Influence of the microstructure on the degree of sensitization of a duplex stainless steel UNS S31803 aged at 650°C

Abstract

This work evaluates the phase transformations during aging of an UNS S31803 DSS at 650°C and its influence on the DOS. The material was solution treated at 1175°C and then aged at 650°C for times up to 360 h. SEM-BSC images indicate the formation of Cr2N, σ and ÷ phases in the samples aged at 650°C. The analysis of DL-EPR curves, obtained in a 1 M H2SO4 + 0.25 M NaCl + 0.01 M KSCN solution, shows an increase in DOS values for samples aged at 650°C. Probably, this increase observed in DOS values is mainly related to the presence of Cr-and/or Mo-depleted á, as a result of σ phase, ÷ phase and/or Cr2N formation at 650°C. Moreover, a possible healing up of Cr-and/ or Mo-depleted areas is observed between 1 h and 4 h of aging at 650°C.