Selective dissolution of austenite in AISI 304 stainless steel by bacterial activity

Selective attack in an AISI 304 stainless steel weld metal has been developed after three months in service in well water. Welding zones showed a severe corrosive attack that in some cases led to the steel perforation. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) revealed a selective attack. An in-depth analysis showed indications of microbiological activity which could be responsible of the severe attack. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.