Liquid metal embrittlement and deformation induced martensite: The case of 316 L austenitic steel LME by liquid eutectic gallium-indium

The liquid metal embrittlement sensitivity of a low nickel 316 L austenitic steel has been studied with eutectic gallium indium alloy. The embrittlement case is firmly established with this steel and studied by X-Ray fractography and EBSD. Brittle to ductile recoveries were observed via a dedicated parametric study (varying cross-head speed and temperature). The return to ductility with temperature is strongly correlated with a significant reduction in plastically induced α’ phase change suggesting it is a requirement for LME. This implies a strategy focused on limiting deformation induced martensite to design LME resistant austenitic steels at low temperature.