Improvement of cavitation erosion resistance of a duplex stainless steel through friction stir processing (FSP)

► The CE resistance of a DSS was improved through microstructural modification using FSP. ► A 200% improvement on the incubation time and 100% on the erosion rate was achieved after FSP. ► Rsm Rq−1, Rku and Ra Rq−1 showed a good agreement with incubation time. ► The wear resistance enhancement was related to the α/γ interface continuity rupture. ► The reduction of grain size and the improvement of mechanical properties.