Abstract
The effect of solution heat treatment on the pitting corrosion resistance of 17Cr-6Mn-5Ni-1.5Cu austenitic stainless steel in 0.6M NaCl aqueous solution was evaluated. UNS S30403 (304L) steel was used as benchmark material. Solution heat treatments (SHT) were conducted at 1010°C, 1040°C, 1070°C and 1100°C. The microstructural characterization revealed the presence of δ-ferrite, especially in the asreceived condition (AR). The SHT decreased the proportion of the ferrite phase. Mnrich precipitates were observed in the as-received condition of 17Cr-6Mn-5Ni-1.5Cu steel, but they were dissolved after the SHT, causing localized Mn enrichment in the austenite. Potentiodynamic tests showed that the pitting potential (Ep) in the 304L steel was not altered significantly after SHT. On the other hand, the value of Ep of the 17Cr-6Mn-5Ni-1.5Cu steel decreased after SHT. This detrimental effect was explained by the formation of Mn enrichment areas due to the solubilization of Mn-rich precipitates, which promoted preferential Cl- adsorption in these regions.
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