Efeito do tratamento térmico na passivação dos aços inoxidáveis superduplex ASTM A890 / A890M GRAU 5A e 6A

Abstract

The behavior of ASTM A890/A 890M GR 5A and 6A super duplex stainless steels submitted by different aging times at 475 ° C in aqueous 60,000 ppm NaCl solution has been investigated by means potentiodynamic polarization test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry and galvanic corrosion test. At 475 °C occurs a spinodal decomposition of ferrite to chromium-rich phase, α', and iron-rich phase, α. As a result of the α' phase formation, there are fluctuations of the chromium content inside of ferrite grains, directly affecting the passivity and consequently the corrosion resistance of these alloys. In addition, the α' phase causes a progressive hardening of the material. Although the effect of the α' precipitation is known, it is important to characterize the degree of embrittlement of the material with different aging times at 475 °C by a study of its passivity properties. Thus, the parameters that will restrict their applications will be obtained. The evolution of the mechanical properties caused by α' precipitation were studied by Vickers microhardness measurements. The results showed that, the hardness of the ferrite increases significantly, whereas the hardness of austenite remains nearly constant. This result consistently suggests that the embrittlement phenomenon of the present super duplex stainless steel is presumably connected with the microstructural evolution of ferrite phase. This result also suggests an increase in precipitation kinetics of the α' phase with increasing of aging time. The electrochemical tests indicated a decrease in the stability of the passive film.