DETECT INTERMETALLIC PHASE IN stainless steel
HOW DOES INTERMETALLIC FORM?
The industrial efforts to reduce the mass of vehicles to save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions result in the use of hybrid components. Thus, new joining techniques of dissimilar materials are in demand. For transportation, equipment and construction to achieve adequate corrosion resistance in chloride content environments like seashore, duplex stainless steel often becomes the chosen material out of the stainless steel group.
The good stress cracking corrosion resistance and mechanical properties make it popular in many applications. The mishandling of relatively high-temperature processes like heat treatment and welding will degrade the properties of duplex stainless steel. The presence of intermetallic phases in the material will diminish the corrosion property, and mechanical strength significantly impacts strength.
HOW DOES INTERMETALLIC AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE METAL?
Intermetallic phases present a challenge for both fusion welding and solid-state joining processes, as these phases are very hard and brittle and can reduce the strength of the hybrid component. The growth of intermetallic phases is diffusion controlled and thus strongly dependent on the prevailing temperature and time. Control of the resulting phase seam width is essential to achieve reliable compounds.
Intermetallic phases in steel typically exhibit low crystal symmetry, which curtails dislocation movements. Due to the low mobility of the dislocations, intermetallic phases are generally characterized by high hardness values and particularly brittle material behaviour. For this reason, the thickness of the intermetallic phase seam is an indispensable aspect in assessing the strength of hybrid components.
METHODS OF INTERMETALLIC PHASE DETECTION TEST
Sodium Hydroxide Etch Test for Classification of Etch Structures of Duplex Stainless Steels
Charpy Impact Test for Classification of Structures of Duplex Stainless Steels
Ferric Chloride Corrosion Test for Classification of Structures of Duplex Stainless Steels
Common Test Methods
ASTM A923
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Duplex Stainless steel (DSSs) are widely used in the oil and gas industry. When the steel is subjected to a thermal gradient, as in welding, precipitation of intermetallic phases may occur. Our expert testing team can detect intermetallic phases in your samples in our state-of-the-art laboratory.
For more information on the Intermetallic Phase Detection test, call us or send us an enquiry today.
