Sensitization behaviour of modified 316N and 316L stainless steel weld metals after complex annealing and stress relieving cycles

Sensitization behaviour of austenitic stainless steel weld metals prepared using indigenously developed modified 316N (C=0.05%; N=0.12%) and 316L (C=0.02%; N=0.07%) electrodes was studied. Detailed optical and scanning electron microscopic examination was carried out to understand the microstructural changes occurring in the weld metal during isothermal exposure at various temperatures ranging from 500°C to 850°C (773–1123K). Based on these studies the mechanism of sensitization in the austenite–ferrite weld metal has been explained. Time–temperature–sensitization (TTS) diagrams were established using ASTM A262 Practice E test. From the TTS diagrams, critical cooling rate (CCR) above which there is no risk of sensitization was calculated for both materials. The heating/cooling rates to be followed for avoiding sensitization during heat treatment cycles consisting of solution-annealing and stress-relieving in fabrication of welded components of AISI 316LN stainless steel (SS) were estimated taking into account the soaking time and the number of times the component undergoes thermal excursions in the sensitization regime. The results were validated by performing controlled heating and cooling heat treatment trials on welded specimens.