What is Sensitization and How to Avoid It?

Multiple methods have been used across industry to control or minimize the likelihood of sensitization occurring. A few of these methods are discussed below:

–   High-temperature solution annealing is performed by heating material to a temperature between 1950°F – 2050°F and immediately quenching. At the process temperature, all grain boundary carbides dissolve into solution. Quenching should be rapid enough to ensure that the carbon stays in solution. 

–   The addition of strong carbide formers or stabilizing elements such as niobium or titanium results in carbides forming with these elements instead of chromium because they have a greater affinity for carbon. The contents of these alloying elements are calculated so that all carbon is tied up by these elements instead of chromium. Examples of stabilized grades include 321 and 347.

–   Another option is to utilize low-carbon stainless steel. Many stainless grades have a low-carbon version, such as 304L and 316L, that restricts carbon to a 0.03% maximum. Restricting carbon to such a low limit minimizes the quantity of carbon available for the precipitation of grain boundary carbides. Low-carbon grades are preferred to avoid sensitization. However, a lower carbon content results in a lower-strength material. Through adjustments, many of the 300 series austenitic stainless steels are dual-certified to meet the low carbon limit and higher strength requirements. In addition to meeting the strength and chemistry requirements, it is common to see an intergranular corrosion test on a material test report, such as ASTM A262 Practice E. This corrosion test starts with a sample that has seen temperatures within the sensitization range and is then submitted for corrosion testing. This ensures that if the material sees elevated temperature during service or welding, it shouldn’t become sensitized.