Use of Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (MBN) to Follow Up the Formation of Sigma Phase in Saf2205 (UNS S31803) Duplex Stainless Steel

Abstract Duplex stainless steels have a structure normally composed of austenite and ferrite in approximately equal proportions. In order to attain control of its fabrication processes and performance, it is important to understand its microstructural evolution, due to the formation of intermetallic phases such as sigma (σ) and chi (χ), which may cause a severe deterioration of mechanical properties. In the present study, the evolution of sigma phase during heat treatments at temperatures in which intermetallic phases can be formed (800ºC-900°C) was studied using magnetic analyses on a SAF...