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Which outcome occurs when austenite stainless steel is rapidly cooled from annealing temperature?

A)Formation of brittle martensite phase
B)Increased resistance to sensitization
C)Segregation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries
D)Enhanced creep resistance at high temperatures

💡 Explanation

When austenite stainless steel is quenched, a diffusionless martensitic transformation occurs because rapid cooling suppresses the diffusion needed for equilibrium phase formation, resulting in a supersaturated solid solution. Therefore brittle martensite forms, rather than the other options which involve different mechanisms depending on composition, cooling rates, or temperature regime.

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