Experimental investigation of electrochemical and mechanical properties of stainless steel 309L at different built orientation by cold metal transfer assisted wire arc additive manufacturing

Abstract

In this article, a multi layered wall of stainless steel 309 L (ER309L) material was WAAM printed over a substrate, at optimized parameters using gas metal arc welding as heat input source assisted by cold metal transfer machine, aiming to evaluate mechanical and electrochemical properties at different built orientations i.e., 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Wall samples were cut-out by wire cut electric discharge machine to compare their properties. Microstructural properties and phases were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), as they change on melting and solidification along the building direction. Columnar dendrite and vertical ferritic grains were observed through an optical microscope. SEM images suggests the presence of Widmanstatten austenite laths forming δ/γ duplex phase. Element distribution by EDS was further verified by Schaeffler’s diagram. XRD pattern confirms various elements and their phase compositions. The tensile strength and yield strength of samples decreased with increase in orientation angle, which is attributed to decrease in the inter-layer length which restricts the slipping of grains and reestablishment of the residual forces., tableau software was used to theoretically predict values for 45° sample as it broke outside the gauge length. electrochemical properties and corrosion behaviour were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) where in highest Rct=170 Ω and lowest corrosion rate, 0.56 mils per year (MPY) was observed for 45° is attributed to diffusion of chromium to the metal-solution interface forming a passive film. The corrosion rate range 0.48–2.7 MPY, advocates SS309L have a uniform passive film. The properties studied certifies that WAAM printed stainless steel component can be exploited for critical applications.