Microstructures and Properties of AISI 304L Stainless Steel Irradiated by High-Current Pulsed Electron Beam

AISI 304L austenite stainless steel was irradiated by a high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) source in different process. The microstructures were investigated in detail by electron microscopy. The changes of hardness and corrosion resistance induced by irradiation were also tested. The relationship between corrosion resistance and the microstructures has been explored. The experimental results demonstrate the potential of proper HCPEB processing for improving the hardness and corrosion resistance of metallic materials.