Rapid surface alloying by Ti of AISI 316L stainless steel using Low energy high current pulsed electron beam

This paper reports the first results of an ongoing research work on rapid surface alloying of an AISI 316L stainless steel by low energy, high current pulsed electron beam (LEHCPEB) with the aim of enhancing the corrosion resistance of this material against aggressive halide ions. A Ti powder layer was deposited on the substrate and in-corporate at the top surface by using LEHCPEB. Due to the rapid surface melting, liquid state mixing occurred and a Ti-rich layer formed. The alloyed layer contained a mixture of the α and γ phases because the addition of Ti favors the formation of α. The corrosion resistance of the AISI 316L stainless steel in the simulated body fluid was effectively improved after surface alloying by Ti. (authors)