Formation of M23C6-type precipitates and chromium-depleted zones in austenite stainless steel

Formation of M23C6 carbides and chromium-depleted zones in commercially available type 304L stainless steel were investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy and analytical transmission electron microscopy. It was found that each individual small M23C6 carbide starts to grow with a clear orientation relationship with the matrix, and film-like carbide was subsequently observed at the interfaces with asymmetric Cr-depleted zones. From these experimental results, a model describing the precipitation of M23C6 and the formation of the Cr-depleted zone was proposed. (C) 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.