Carbide precipitation

From GAWDAwiki

Carbide precipitation occurs when austenitic stainless steel is heated within a temperature range of 800^o-1600^oF (427^o-870^oC) for a critical period of time. Carbon moves from a solid solution to grain boundaries and combines with chromium. The metal adjacent to the grain boundaries is left with less chromium and is said to be sensitized. Corrosion resistance is therefore reduced in the grain boundary region. ^[1]

References

1. http://www.millerwelds.com/interests/instructors/pdf/Glossary.pdf