Abstract

An investigation has been made into the effect of a sensitization treatment at 850°C, on the tensile fracture mechanism at room temperature in AISI 304 type austenitic stainless steel. A partially microvoid coalescence mechanism intercalated with intergranular secondary cracking was observed. It is believed that the M23C6 type carbide promotes the formation of the secondary intergranular crack, being the later formed by microvoid coalescence mechanism. Both, strength and ductility were increased in the sensitized condition.