On microstructure-property correlation of thermally aged type 316L stainless steel weld metal

Abstract

This paper deals with the microstructural changes and consequent deterioration in the room temperature tensile properties of type 316L stainless steel weld metal when exposed to elevated temperatures (773 to 973 K) for prolonged periods (up to 5000 hours). The microstructure-property correlation derived in this study is based on a variety of techniques: Magne-Gage, electrochemical extraction, X-ray diffraction, tensile testing, and both optical and electron microscopy. It has been established that the amount and morphology of the sigma phase are the key factors in determining the changes in the strength levels, total elongation, and extent of work hardening. The amount and morphology of sigma, in turn, is seen to depend on the relative kinetics of the various transformations, such as dissolution of delta-ferrite, growth of carbides,etc., shape changes in sigma, and the relative stabilities of the phases at the corresponding temperature of aging. The complicated dependence of the tensile properties on the microstrutural changes has been explained with direct quantitative evidence.