The Effect of Heat Treatment on The Wear and Corrosion Behavior of AISI 440B Martensitic Stainless Steel in Different Environments
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Date
2025
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Abstract
This study demonstrates that the austenitization temperature of AISI 440B martensitic stainless steel crucially influences wear and corrosion resistance. As the austenitization temperature increases, Cr23C6 carbides dissolve, leading to increased Cr and C concentrations in the austenite matrix. Higher Cr content enhances corrosion resistance, while increased C content raises hardness. However, excessively high austenitization temperatures result in increased retained austenite due to lowered Mf temperatures and grain coarsening, which significantly reduces hardness. Electrochemical corrosion tests that have been done in wet wipe solution and NaCl solution have shown that a high carbon content can break the martensitic crystal lattice, destabilizing the protective oxide film and reducing corrosion resistance. This study identifies 1110 °C as the optimal austenitization temperature for AISI 440B martensitic stainless steel, balancing both wear and corrosion resistance effectively. © The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM 2025.