Nitride precipitation kinetics in high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel and its effect on weldability

High nitrogen austenitic stainless steel is a kind of alloyed structural steel substituted nitrogen for nichel showing good mechanical and corrosion resistant properties. Nitrogen in the solid-solution state is the prerequisite for the autenite slainless steel to have excellent properties. The steel is thermally unstable due to high content of nitrogen in solid solution and has a tendency for nitride precipitation that will induce the formation of other hard and brittle phases, resulting in the degradation of properties. Nitride precipitation is the primary type of nitrogen loss in the heated affected zone during welding process. The nitride precipitation kinetics and cellular precipitation behavior were illuminated, which can provide some reference on the research and development of the steel and the regulation of heat treatment processes.