Correlative EBSD and SKPFM characterisation of microstructure development to assist determination of corrosion propensity in grade 2205 duplex stainless steel

Correlative electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) analysis has been carried out to characterise microstructure development and associated corrosion behaviour of as-received and 750 °C heat-treated grade 2205 duplex stainless steel. High-resolution EBSD analysis revealed the presence of σ- and χ-phase, secondary austenite, Cr₂N, and CrN after ageing treatment. SKPFM Volta potential measurements confirmed the formation of discrete reactive sites, indicating local corrosion propensity in the microstructure. Cr₂N, σ-phase, and inter-granular χ-phase had the largest net cathodic activity, followed by CrN and intra-granular χ-phase showing medium electrochemical activity, with ferrite and austenite (including secondary austenite) showing net anodic activity. Corrosion screening confirmed selective corrosion of ferrite in the as-received and 750 °C-aged conditions with the corrosion propensity of secondary phases staying in-line with SKPFM observations. Stress corrosion micro-cracks were also observed and are discussed in light of microstructure corrosion propensity.