This research investigated the influence of solution heat treatments on the microstructure and properties of this type of material. These treatments were carried out at temperatures ranging from 1100 to 1250ºC. Impact (Charpy) tests were conducted at room temperature and -46°C for all solution treated samples. The microstructural analyses were carried out by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was concluded that, to maximize the material's impact strength, the solution heat treatment should be done at 1200ºC, at which temperature the volumetric fraction of precipitates is lower than at other solution heat treatment temperatures. The samples that were solution heat treated at 1200 and 1240ºC presented sigma (s) and M6C carbide phases.
Stainless steel; superaustenitic stainless steel; solution heat treatment; microstructure; corrosion; precipitates
