Effect of the Post-Weld Surface Condition on the Corrosion Resistance of Austenitic Stainless Steel AISI 304

Surfaces of welded elements made of corrosion-resistant (stainless) steels develop temper colours. The removal of thickened oxide layers off steels exposed to temperatures below 300°C is necessary and entails the restoring of high corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. The article presents tests concerned with the effect of a method applied to remove post-weld temper on the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304. It was ascertained that the most favourable method enabling the obtainment of high corrosion resistance involved the use of an appropriate passivation process.

doi: 10.17729/ebis.2018.1/2 [1]