Characterization of precipitates formed in a ferritic stainless steel stabilized with Zr and Ti additions

A new ferritic stainless steel was designed based on thermodynamic and kinetic principles. The alloy was subjected to thermomechanical processing using both hot and cold rolling, and annealing, and the alloy's microstructure was characterized. In addition, the resistance to intergranular corrosion was determined. The alloying elements used to stabilize the alloy were Zr and Ti. After cold rolling and annealing the alloy exhibited very good intergranular corrosion resistance. The alloy did not show chromium carbides or chromium nitrides on the grain boundaries. Instead, it showed precipitates of either carbides or nitrides of Zr and Ti within the grains. That is, the alloy was completely stabilized.