Corrosion resistance of sintered duplex stainless steel evaluated by electrochemical method

Purpose: Purpose of this paper was to examine the corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steels using electrochemical methods in 1M NaCl solution. The influence of powder mixes preparation and cooling cycle after sintering on corrosion properties was evaluated. Design/methodology/approach: In presented study duplex stainless steels were obtained through powder metallurgy starting from austenitic, martensitic base powders by controlled addition of alloying elements. In the studies behind the preparation of mixes, Schaffler’s diagram was taken into consideration. Prepared mixes have been compacted at 800 MPa and sintered in a vacuum furnace with argon backfilling at 1260°C for 1h. After sintering two different cooling cycles were applied: rapid cooling with an average cooling rate of 245°C/min and slow cooling of 5°C/min in argon atmosphere. Findings: According to achieved results, it was affirmed that applied sintering method as well as powder mixes preparation allows for manufacturing the sintered duplex steels with good corrosion properties. Corrosion resistance of sintered stainless steels is strictly connected with the density and the pore morphology present in the microstructure too. The highest resistance to pitting corrosion was achieved for composition with approximate balance of ferrite and austenite in the microstructure. Research limitations/implications: According to the powders characteristic, the applied fast cooling rate seems to be a good compromise for corrosion properties and microstructures, nevertheless further tests should be carried out in order to examine different cooling rates and sintering temperatures. Originality/value: The use of elemental powders added to a stainless steel base showed its potentialities, in terms of fair compressibility and final sintered density. In addition a good structural homogeneity and first of all corrosion resistance was achieved, also working with cycles possible for industries.