IMPROVING INTERGRANULAR CORROSION-RESISTANCE OF SENSITIZED TYPE-316 AUSTENITIC STAINLESS-STEEL BY LASER SURFACE MELTING

An attempt was made to modify the surface microstructure of a sensitized austenitic stainless steel, without affecting the bulk properties, using laser surface melting techniques. AISI type 316 stainless steel specimens sensitized at 923 K for 20 hr were laser surface melted using a pulsed ruby laser at 6 J energy. Two successive pulses were given to ensure uniform melting and homogenization. The melted layers were characterized by small angle X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Intergranular corrosion tests were carried out on the melted region as per ASTM A262 practice A(etch test) and electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test. The results indicated an improvement in the intergranular corrosion resistance after laser surface melting. The results are explained on the basis of homogeneous and nonsensitized microstructure obtained at the surface after laser surface melting. It is concluded that laser surface melting can be used as an in situ method to increase the life of a sensitized component by modifying the surface microstructure.