Effects of Heat Inputs on Phase Transformation and Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion of F316 Austenitic Stainless Steel

To elucidate the effect of heat inputs on phase transformation and resistance to intergranular corrosion of F316 austenitic stainless steel (ASS), thermodynamic calculations of each phase and time-temperature-transformation diagram were conducted using JMaPro simulation software, oxalic acid etch test, double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test (DL-EPR), field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses of Cr carbide (Cr23C6), austenite phase and ferrite phase. F316 ASS containing a relatively low C content of 0.043 wt% showed a slightly sensitized microstructure (acceptably dual structure) due to a small amount of Cr carbide precipitated at heat affected zone irrespective of heat inputs. Based on results of DL-EPR test, although heat input was increased, the ratio of I-r to I-a was only increased very slightly due to a slight sensitization. Therefore, heat inputs have little influences on resistance to intergranular corrosion of F316 austenitic stainless steel containing 0.043 wt% C.