Avoiding Intergranular Corrosion. Susceptibility
to intergranular corrosion in austenitic
stainless steels can be avoided by limiting their
carbon contents or by adding elements whose
carbides are more stable than those of chromium.
For most austenitic stainless steels, restricting
their carbon contents to 0.03% or less prevents
sensitization during welding and most heat treatment.
This method is not effective for eliminating
sensitization that would result from longterm
service exposure at 425 to 815 C (800 to
1500 F).