Pitting behavior of austenitic stainless steel welded joints-A review

• This review identifies five common pitting initiation mechanisms in austenitic stainless steel welds, providing a comprehensive study of their pitting behavior. • It is revealed that the interplay between microstructural evolution, elemental segregation, and thermal treatments during the welding process determines the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel welds. • Comparative analysis of various welding processes reveals how each affects the microstructure and pitting resistance of welds. • Methods to enhance pitting resistance are discussed to improve the durability of austenitic stainless steel welds. Pitting behavior of austenitic stainless steel welded joints represents a significant concern in industrial applications. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of pitting behavior in austenitic stainless steel welds, categorizing five distinct mechanisms of pitting initiation. Corrosion resistance of welded joints is governed by the intricate interactions among microstructural changes, elemental segregation, and thermal treatments during welding process. This review further examines commonly employed welding techniques for austenitic stainless steel, highlighting the influence of each method on microstructure and pitting resistance of the welds. Additionally, it explores strategies to improve pitting resistance of austenitic stainless steel welds, building upon existing welding technologies, and suggests potential avenues for future research.