Sensitization Time-Temperature Calculator

Calculate sensitization risk and time at temperature for chromium carbide precipitation in austenitic stainless steels (Type 304/316)

Input Parameters

Results

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Sensitization Risk
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Critical Time at Temp
hours
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Sensitization Range
°C
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Recommended Action
Note: Sensitization is intergranular Cr depletion from Cr23C6 carbide precipitation at grain boundaries. It causes susceptibility to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). ASTM A262 provides testing methods.

Reference

Sensitization (Cr23C6 precipitation) in austenitic stainless steels: Temperature range: 425-815°C (nose at ~675°C) Critical time ∝ 1/C² (lower carbon = longer time to sensitize) 304L/316L (C ≤ 0.03%): 10-100× more resistant than standard grades 321 (Ti-stabilized) and 347 (Nb-stabilized): form TiC/NbC instead of Cr23C6