Combined effect of resistance spot welding and post-welding sensitization on the degree of sensitization of AISI 304 stainless steel

• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2011.05.007
• Publication Date: 2011-05-12T15:48:28Z
• Authors: Pilar De Tiedra; Óscar Martín; Manuel López
• Keywords: 0205 materials engineering; 02 engineering and technology

This work studies the combined effect of resistance spot welding (RSW) and post-welding sensitization on the degree of sensitization (DOS) of AISI 304 stainless steel (SS) by using EPR and DLEPR tests. The combined effect of RSW and post-welding sensitization at 750 °C gives rise to an overall DOS that: (i) is lower than that of the state without prior welding; (ii) that decreases initially with increasing sensitization time but then increases. This behaviour is due to the fact that the interdendritic corrosion (IDC) located in the weld metal decreases with increasing sensitization time.