Extended X-ray absorption fine structure investigation of nitrogen stabilized expanded austenite

As-delivered austenitic stainless steel and nitrogen stabilized expanded austenite, both fully nitrided and denitrided (in H2), were investigated with Cr, Fe and Ni extended X-ray absorption fine structure. The data shows pronounced short-range ordering of Cr and N. For the denitrided specimen the N atoms remaining in the solid state after H2-reduction are trapped by Cr atoms. Quantitative interpretation in terms of the local distortions around Cr atoms and their N coordination number reveals that no Cr–N clusters or CrN platelets are present.