The exposure of duplex stainless steels to temperatures in the range of 1100 to 1850°F can result in the formation of undesirable intermetallic compounds such as σ and χ phases. The graph shows the isothermal precipitation kinetics for carbides, σ/χ, and α’ phases in types 2304, 2205, and 2507 duplex stainless steels.
The occurrence of these phases is usually associated with fabrication and processing practices such as excessively high weld heat inputs or slow cooling rates after solution anneal heat treatments.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Heat Treating of Austenitic and Duplex Stainless Steels ⇒ Duplex Stainless Steels
