INTERGRANULAR AND GENERAL CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF 17-4-PH WELDMENTS

17-4 PH stainless steel was welded autogenously by Tungsten Inert Gas welding process. The effect of various pre- and postweld thermal treatments on intergranular corrosion (IGC) and general corrosion resistance of base, weld and heat affected zones was studied using electrochemical techniques. Intergranular and general corrosion resistance of base and weld metal were not affected by the thermal treatments significantly. However, the HAZ portion showed inferior corrosion resistance in the as-welded and directly aged conditions. Solutionising followed by aging resulted in uniform and relatively better corrosion resistance of all the regions.