Solute segregation and microstructure of directionally solidified austenitic stainless steel

An evaluation was made of liquid to solid transformation during the solidification of an austenitic stainless steel based on an investigation of the material's solidification mode and microstructure. The solidification mode was studied using directional solidification at low growth rates and differential thermal analysis. The alloy analyzed here showed solidification, with the liquid transforming completely into austenite; however, depending on the solute segregation level, it could present the formation of austenite and ferrite. In addition, most of the alloying elements in this steel showed a partition coefficient of less than 1.