STUDY OF INTERGRANULAR CORROSION IN AUSTENITIC STEELS
Keywords:
Austenitic steel, intergranular corrosion, chromium carbide, heat treatment, electrochemical protection, chromium depletion, steel strength, mechanical properties, chemical composition, operating conditions, corrosion, steel degradation, metallurgy, protective coatings, stabilizing elements, high-temperature effects, corrosion resistance, chromium-carbon interaction, grain boundaries, industrial materials.Abstract
Intergranular corrosion of austenitic steels depends on their chemical composition, heat treatment processes, and operating conditions. This type of corrosion occurs due to the interaction of chromium and carbon in the steel, leading to the accumulation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries. As a result, the regions surrounding the grains become depleted of chromium, making them more susceptible to corrosion. This process negatively affects the mechanical properties of the steel, reducing its strength. To minimize intergranular corrosion, it is recommended to add stabilizing elements, optimize heat treatment, and apply electrochemical protection methods.


