Effect of the Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 316L

The content of δ ferrite in 316L austenitic stainless steel has a distinct effect on the steel's surface quality,hot ductility and mechanical properties.In this paper,the effects of different temperatures and holding time on the content of δ ferrite,microstructure and mechanical properties are investigated.The results show that the content of ferrite decreases markedly with the prolonged holding time and higher holding temperature when the holding temperature is fixed under the range of the austenitic single phase.Although the content of ferrite also decreases with the prolonged holding time when the temperature is higher,the decrease is not as obvious as it is in the austenitic single phase.In addition,keeping an appropriate content of ferrite is beneficial to the improvement of the mechanical properties of 316L austenitic stainless steel.