Slurry Erosion Study on Nitrogen-Alloyed Austenitic Stainless Steel and Weld Beads

Slurry erosion study on nitrogen-alloyed austenitic steel (NA-ASS) 23-8-N has been conducted. Solution annealing of base metal at two different temperatures 950 °C and 1150 °C dissolved the carbides precipitations and improved its strength and impact toughness. Bead-on-plate welds were made using gas metal arc welding process and these were solidified with 5–10% ferrite. Solution annealing results in homogenous microstructure with fine residual carbides and higher erosion resistance. Higher impact toughness and strength of 1150 °C solution annealed samples resulted in higher strain hardening with a minor loss of hardness. Solution treatment enhanced the erosion resistance of the base metal. Cumulative weight loss of bead-on-plate weld was relatively higher than that of the base material due to lower hardness and compositional difference. The weight loss from the surface due to erosive action was minimum for 1150 °C at 90° impingement angle. Wear and material loss occurred through micro-cutting and ploughing. Graphic Abstract