DOI: 10.1108/acmm-05-2026-3621 ISSN: 0003-5599

Effect of Y on solidification microstructure and corrosion resistance of high Mo super austenitic stainless steels

Yue Zhang, Haoming Yang, Pengfei Li, Jun Wang, Qingchun Li, Aimin Zhao

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of Y on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of high Mo super austenitic stainless steels. This study aims to provide experimental evidence for the development and application of high-Mo super austenitic stainless steel.

Design/methodology/approach

High Mo super austenitic stainless steels (SASSs) containing 0, 24, 50 and 93 ppm Y were prepared by vacuum nonconsumable arc melting. Thermodynamic calculations based on the Gulliver-Scheil models, combined with optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used to systematically study the effect of Y on the solidification behavior, microstructure, σ phase precipitation and corrosion resistance of high Mo SASSs.

Findings

The addition of Y slightly decreased the s phase precipitation temperature and reduced the enrichment of Cr and Mo in the interdendritic residual liquid. Y significantly refined the solidification microstructure and reduced elemental segregation. The σ phase volume fraction, size and continuity decreased significantly with the increase of Y content. In a 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution, the addition of an appropriate amount of Y reduced the corrosion current density, increased the polarization resistance and reduced pit depth. The test steel with a Y content of 50 ppm showed the best corrosion resistance.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the effect and optimum addition content of Y in high Mo super austenitic stainless steels.