This work investigates the effect of thermal cycling on the microstructure of a stainless steel superduplex, specifically on the sigma phase formation. The examined thermal cycles are similar to those produced in the heat affected zone of stainless steel when applying GTAW welding process. The temperatures and residence time for the cycle was determined using a typical thermal model of temperature distribution. The application of thermal cycles shows the microstructural evolution of steel in the range of 475ºC to 1100ºC with a short heating time and determines the temperature of formation and disolution of the sigma phase, and its maximum temperature of formation. The formation mechanism and chemical composition of the sigma phase is also examined.
sigma phase; thermal cycle; stainless steels superduplex; heat affected zone
