On the influence of solution heat treatment on the grain boundary reactivity of 316L stainless steel manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

Corrosion Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: A. Pandey, A. Prakash, V. Cruz de Faria, Q. Chao, Y. Qiu, D. Fabijanic, P.D. Hodgson, N. Birbilis, I. Samajdar, S. Thomas
DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2026.113939
Cited by: 1
References: 60

Abstract

The intergranular corrosion (IGC) susceptibility of 316 L stainless steel manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was compared with that of wrought 316 L following sensitising heat treatments (aging) at 650 °C for up to 100 h. Solutionising of LPBF-316L prior to aging significantly increased its susceptibility to IGC. Microtextural characterisation revealed that prior solutionised LPBF-316L develops a high fraction of random high-angle grain boundaries, with higher geometrically necessary dislocations. These features serve as preferential sites for grain-boundary precipitation and paths for higher diffusivity during subsequent ageing, thereby promoting chromium (Cr) depletion and increased IGC susceptibility.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes Hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion behaviors in metals Titanium Alloys Microstructure and Properties

Publication details

Journal / source
Corrosion Science
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
268
Pages
113939–113939
Publication date
10 May 2026
Language
EN