Intergranular segregation of Cr in Ti-stabilized low-Cr ferritic stainless steel

The precipitation and segregation phenomenon in a type 409L Ti-stabilized 11 wt.% Cr ferritic stainless steel has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy and a laser-assisted three-dimensional atom probe. In solution-treated and aged specimens, a strong segregation and consequent depletion of Cr was observed, as well as segregation of C and Ti atoms along the grain boundary. The reason for the Cr segregation and the way to avoid such segregation is discussed. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.