Corrosion on UNS S82441 steel subjected to FSW

Duplex stainless steels are widely used in the manufacture of equipment and pipes for the oil and gas industry. Their major limitation is that with the increase in temperature and subsequent cooling it is possible for deleterious phases to precipitate which drastically reduce the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of these materials. Friction stir welding (FSW) is being considered as a viable alternative to fusion processes. As in this process the joining of materials occurs in the solid state many of the weldability problems associated with traditional welding techniques are avoided. The use of lean duplex stainless steel UNS S82441 in this process could offer an option that is as efficient as austenitic steels 304L and 316L and cheaper than duplex UNS S31803.