Localized Corrosion Susceptibility of Supermartensitic Stainless Steel in Welded Joints

Supermartensitic stainless steels is known for its better weld-ability and corrosion resistance compared to the conventional martensitic, mainly due to its lower carbon content. This enables the production of welded joints with superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and to sensitization, particularly in the heat-affected zone. These characteristics can be optimized with the production of weldments using high-power density processes, such as electron beam welding. This process creates a narrow heat-affected zone with a high thermal gradient, which makes it less susceptible to precipitation, particularly to chromium carbides. Thus, its pitting potential is improved.