Annealing temperature effect on the pitting corrosion resistance of plasma arc welded joints of duplex stainless steel UNS S32304 in 1.0 M NaCl

Pitting corrosion resistance of 2304 duplex stainless steels after autogenous plasma-arc welding and subsequent short-time post-weld heat treatment at different temperatures, determined by critical pitting temperature in 1.0 M NaCl solution, has been investigated. The results showed that the as-welded joint displayed impaired pitting corrosion resistance and that pitting preferentially occurred at ferrite grain in heat-affected zone near the fusion line. Short-time annealing treatment at 1020–1120 °C has a beneficial effect on the pitting corrosion resistance of welded joint. The most favorable annealing temperature for the analyzed welded joints was found to be 1080 °C, at which the joint restored the pitting corrosion resistance lost during welding entirely.

► Welding, heat treatment, microstructure and pitting corrosion were studied.
► The weakest region of DSS welded joints was determined.
► The optimum annealing temperature for DSS welded joints was determined.
► Cause of degradation and improvement of pitting corrosion was analyzed.