Long-term thermal aging of austenitic stainless-steel weld: Microstructure evolution in δ-ferrite and δ / γ phase boundary and apparent recovery of mechanical properties
Shoaib Mehboob, Byeong Seo Kong, Changheui Jang
Abstract
This study aimed at investigation of thermal aging effects on evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of ER316L austenitic stainless-steel weld (ASSW). The ASSW was subjected to thermal aging at 400 °C for up to 30,000 h. Initially, thermal aging triggered spinodal decomposition of δ-ferrite and clustering of Ni. Thermal aging up to 20,000 h further enhanced spinodal decomposition and G-phase formation. After 30,000 h of aging, precipitation of Mo-rich χ-phase occurred adjacent to the G-phase. Concurrently, thermal aging induced segregation of different elements and formation of nickel depletion zone was observed at the ferrite/austenite (δ/γ) phase boundary. The consequence of these microstructure changes was the hardening of δ-ferrite and loss of fracture toughness of ASSW. However, after 30,000 h of aging at 400 °C, degraded fracture toughness and tensile properties were partially recovered. This recovery in fracture toughness was attributed to the evolution of microchemistry and the formation of a softer shell in the δ/γ phase boundary region.