Overview of Intermetallic Sigma (σ)‎ Phase Precipitation in Stainless Steels

Abstract EN

The σ phase which exists in various series of stainless steels is a significant subject in steels science and engineering.

The precipitation of the σ phase is also a widely discussed aspect of the science and technology of stainless steels.

The microstructural variation, precipitation mechanism, prediction method, and effects of properties of σ phase are also of importance in academic discussions.

In the first section, a brief introduction to the development and the precipitation characteristics (including morphologies and precipitation sites) of σ phase in stainless steels is presented.

In the second section, the properties effect, prediction method, processing effect, elemental addition, retardation method and Thermo-Calc simulation of the σ phase in stainless steels are highlighted.