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Characterization of type 304L stainless steel: Comparison of ASTM A262 practice A and analytical electron microscopy techniques

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The ASTM A262 Practice A procedure is frequently used to assess whether Type 304/304L austenitic stainless steels are "sensitized". In this study, Type 304L steel containing 18 ppm boron examined in the as-received (mill solution-annealed) condition exhibited a "dual" structure after the Practice A test despite its low C content. Detailed characterization of this alloy was performed to assess the precipitation behavior in this steel. Intergranular, Cr-rich M2B- borides, identified by electron diffraction, were observed in the as-received condition. Samples aged at 700°C (nominally "sensitized") produced fully "ditched" grain boundaries having Cr levels in excess of 14 wt.% and concomitant Cr-depleted zones less than 50 nm in extent. Despite exhibiting fully "ditched" grain boundaries, Cr levels of ∼18-20 wt.% with no Cr-depleted zones were detected in specimens aged at 900°C (nominally "stabilized"). These results show the Practice A test can be mis-used/mis-interpreted for assessing sensitization.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011
PublisherJohn Wiley and Sons Inc.
Pages469-478
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781622761944
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011 - Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Duration: Aug 7 2011Aug 11 2011

Publication series

Name15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011
Volume1

Conference

Conference15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityColorado Springs, CO
Period08/7/1108/11/11

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