Assessment of Degree of Sensitization of Cryo-rolled Standard Duplex Stainless Steel 2205

This paper focused on the sensitization behavior of cryo-rolled standard duplex stainless steel (DSS) 2205. Solution-annealed DSS specimens were cryo-rolled and achieved reduction in thickness percentage range from 0 to 45%. These were then sensitized at 900 °C for 1 h. The degree of sensitization (DOS) was assessed by double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation method. Post sensitization, the microstructures were characterized for X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscattered diffraction measurements. The slight pre-strain cryo-rolled at 3–10% (reduction in thickness) exhibited lower DOS and higher cryo-rolled (30–45% reduction) exhibited higher DOS compared to as-received. It was attributed due to presence of non-fragmented columnar grain and optimum fraction of low-angle grain boundaries, and limited deleterious phases σ phase, Cr₂N, and M₂₃C₆ types of carbides compared to other specimens.