Influence of prior deformation on the sensitization of AISI Type 316LN stainless steel

Abstract

The sensitization behaviour of a nuclear grade AISI 316LN stainless steel (SS) was studied for various cold-work levels ranging from 0% (mill-annealed) to 25% reduction in thickness. ASTM standard A262 Practices A and E were adopted to detect the susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. The results obtained in these tests were used to construct time-temperature-sensitization (TTS) diagrams. Using these data, the critical linear cooling rate was calculated, above which there is no risk of sensitization. In order to predict the sensitization behaviour during practical cooling conditions, Continuous-cooling-sensitization (CCS) diagrams were established utilising the TTS diagrams by a mathematical method. The influences of prior deformation and nitrogen in the alloy on the sensitization kinetics are discussed. It was found that nitrogen addition retards the sensitization kinetics and that t min (minimum time required for sensitization at nose temperature) increases by two orders of magnitude in Type 316LN SS compared to that of Type 316 SS at the different prior deformation levels. Cold-working up to 15% accelerates the onset of carbide precipitation and on further cold working there is not much difference in the kinetics. Desensitization is faster in highly cold-worked material, especially at high temperatures.