Study of strain induced martensite and its reversal on sensitization behaviour of metastable austenitic stainless steel

Purpose The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of strain-induced martensite (SIM) and its reversal on metastable austenitic stainless steel (MASSs) through the analysis of metallurgical and sensitisation behaviour. Design/methodology/approach In the present investigation, the samples of Cr-Mn ASS (also known as MASSs) including 15%, 30% and 50% cold worked, solution annealed samples with and without thermal ageing (at 700°C for 3 h) were analysed with the help of X-ray diffraction analysis, microstructure examination and electrochemical behaviour. The scanning electron microscope (SEMJOEL 6380 A) was used to examine the microstructure of the sample, and the double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test was used to determine the degree of sensitisation (DOS) in the samples. The cold worked solution annealed samples without thermal ageing are named as CR15, CR30 and CR50, respectively, and the samples with thermal ageing are named as CR15_TA, CR30_TA and CR50_TA, respectively. Findings In CR15, CR30 and CR50 samples, the DOS increased with increase in the extent of cold working, which was attributable to passivation deterioration. Because of the high degree of passivation at the grain boundaries, the DOS of CR15_TA and CR30_TA were practically identical. The DOS in the CR50_TA sample, on the other hand, was lowered due to SIM recovery in the austenite. Originality/value The present study sheds light on how to choose the right cold working percentage to avoid sensitisation in MASSs during the fabrication of metal forming components.