This review summarizes the effect of plastic deformation on the corrosion behavior of austenitic stainless steel. The austenitic stainless steels are used in boilers, nuclear reactors, and chemical reactors, due to their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Plastic deformation and the precipitation behavior of the steels at elevated temperature would lead to the deterioration of corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, it is essential to clarify the effect of plastic deformation and secondary phases on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the steels. Here, a summary of recent progress in the effect of deformation on microstructure and corrosion in austenitic steels is made. Secondary phases, like M23C6, MX and sigma phase are formed under high temperature application; they are harmful phases in austenitic stainless steels. Cold forging has a great influence on the corrosion behavior of austenitic stainless steels. The Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) susceptibility of the cold forged austenitic stainless steels increases with increasing the extent of cold forging, but hot forging improve the SCC and pitting corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel. Plastic deformation also improves the strength and hardness of stainless steel.
