Impact of TiC/TiB2 Inoculation on the Electrochemical Performance of an Arc-Directed Energy-Deposited PH 13-8Mo Martensitic Stainless Steel

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript offers an innovative investigation into the impact of TiC and TiB₂ inoculation on the electrochemical performance of arc-directed energy deposited PH 13-8Mo martensitic stainless steel. The study's novelty stems from its exploration of the microstructural and corrosion resistance modifications induced by these inoculants—a subject that has been underexplored in the literature. The application of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) in this context is particularly noteworthy, as it presents a method with high production efficiency, while potentially enhancing the mechanical and corrosion properties of large-scale metallic components.

To further strengthen the manuscript, several key areas require improvement:

1.     The manuscript would benefit from a more detailed explanation of the microstructural changes observed, such as low-angle grain boundaries and retained austenite, and their subsequent effects on corrosion resistance.

2.     The manuscript should incorporate a section that addresses the mechanical properties influenced by the inoculation process, specifically focusing on parameters such as tensile strength and toughness.

3.     The discussion could be further enriched by comparing the findings with those of similar studies, thereby situating the manuscript's contributions within the broader context of the field.

In summary, the manuscript offers valuable insights into the potential of nano-inoculation to enhance both the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of additively manufactured stainless steel. However, addressing the aforementioned points would significantly enhance the depth and rigor of the study, while also providing a balanced view of the challenges associated with certain phase formations.

Author Response

Reviewer’s comment:

The manuscript offers an innovative investigation into the impact of TiC and TiB₂ inoculation on the electrochemical performance of arc-directed energy deposited PH 13-8Mo martensitic stainless steel. The study’s novelty stems from its exploration of the microstructural and corrosion resistance modifications induced by these inoculants—a subject that has been underexplored in the literature. The application of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) in this context is particularly noteworthy, as it presents a method with high production efficiency, while potentially enhancing the mechanical and corrosion properties of large-scale metallic components.

To further strengthen the manuscript, several key areas require improvement:

1. The manuscript would benefit from a more detailed explanation of the microstructural changes observed, such as low-angle grain boundaries and retained austenite, and their subsequent effects on corrosion resistance.

Authors’ response:

We appreciate the reviewer’s insightful feedback. To respond to the reviewer’s concern, more detailed explanations were provided in both Microstructure and Corrosion sections in the revised manuscript.

 

2. The manuscript should incorporate a section that addresses the mechanical properties influenced by the inoculation process, specifically focusing on parameters such as tensile strength and toughness.

Authors’ response:

The effect of nano particles-induced inoculation on the mechanical properties of the material has been investigated and reported in detail in another publication by the authors’:

 “Grain refinement and strengthening of PH 13-8Mo martensitic stainless steel through TiC/TiB₂ inoculation during wire arc additive manufacturing”

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtla.2023.101721

3. The discussion could be further enriched by comparing the findings with those of similar studies, thereby situating the manuscript's contributions within the broader context of the field.

Authors’ response:

The authors appreciate the reviewer’s valuable feedback and agree that comparing the results of this study with similar research would enhance the article. In response, additional references to relevant studies have been included in the discussion section, and their significance has been thoroughly discussed.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper entitled „Impact of TiC/TiB2 Inoculation on the Electrochemical Performance of an Arc Directed Energy Deposited PH 13-8Mo Martensitic Stainless Steel” presents good quality research about method of improvement of stainless steel. 

 

The corrosion testing and microstructural characterization were conducted properly. However, the paragraph of fabrication process is not sufficient. The description should allow to reproduce the process to obtain the same structural, chamical composition, etc. More parameters of the fabrication should be given, i.e. time of mixing, weight of wire used. etc. The description of fabrication parameters should be detailed as good as possible. 

Author Response

Reviewer’s comment:

The paper entitled Impact of TiC/TiB2 Inoculation on the Electrochemical Performance of an Arc Directed Energy Deposited PH 13-8Mo Martensitic Stainless Steel” presents good quality research about method of improvement of stainless steel. The corrosion testing and microstructural characterization were conducted properly. However, the paragraph of fabrication process is not sufficient. The description should allow to reproduce the process to obtain the same structural, chamical composition, etc. More parameters of the fabrication should be given, i.e. time of mixing, weight of wire used. etc. The description of fabrication parameters should be detailed as good as possible.

Authors’ response:

The authors are grateful for the reviewer's positive feedback. We also acknowledge the concern of the reviewer about the reproducibility of the process. To address this concern, more explanation about the feedstock wire, process parameters, shielding gas, and scanning strategy was added to the Experimental section.