An Integrated Electron and Optical Metallographic Method for the Identification of Phases in Type 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel.

摘要

A sequential and integrated metallographic examination has been developed and successfully employed to differentiate between the carbide, sigma, chi, Laves and ferrite phases which are commonly encountered in Type 316 austenitic steel. The experimental procedures of optical and electron microscopy to identify these phases have been outlined and provide a rapid and convenient method of characterising the microstructure of the steel. The examination has highlighted significant cast-to-cast variations in the microstructures of consequence to the performance of the steel in service. (Author)