Structure Evolution and Solidification Behavior of Austenitic Stainless Steel in Pulsed Magnetic Field

 To understand the solidification behavior of austenitic stainless steel in pulsed magnetic field, the solidification process is investigated by means of the self made high voltage pulse power source and the solidification tester. The results show that the solidification structure of austenitic stainless steel can be remarkably refined in pulsed magnetic field, yet the grains become coarse again when the magnetic intensity is exceedingly large, indicating that an optimal intensity range existed for structure refinement. The solidification temperature can be enhanced with an increase in the magnetic intensity. The solidification time is shortened obviously, but the shortening degree is reduced with the increase of the magnetic intensity.     

Experimental Investigation and Analytical Prediction of σ-Phase Precipitation in AISI 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel

The phase precipitation in industrial AISI 316L stainless steel during aging for up to 80,000 hours between 823 K and 1073 K (550 °C and 800 °C) has been studied using transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and carbon replica energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Three phases were identified: Chromium carbides (M₂₃C₆), Laves phase (η), and σ-phase (Fe-Cr). M₂₃C₆ carbide precipitation occurred firstly and was followed by the η and σ-phases at grain boundaries when the aging temperature is higher than 873 K (600 °C). Precipitation and growth of M₂₃C₆ create chromium depletion zones at the grain boundaries and also retard the σ-phase formation. Thus, the σ-phase is controlled by the kinetic of chromium bulk diffusion and can appear only when the chromium reaches, at grain boundaries and at the M₂₃C₆/γ and M₂₃C₆/η/γ interfaces, content higher than a critical value obtained by self-healing. An analytical model, based on equivalent chromium content, has been established in this study and successfully validated to predict the time–temperature–precipitation diagram of the σ-phase. The obtained diagram is in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Macrosegregation Formation in an Al–Si Casting Sample with Cross-sectional Change During Directional Solidification

A unidirectional solidification experiment of hypoeutectic Al-7.0 wt% Si alloy against gravity direction in a cylindrical mold with cross-sectional change was made, and the macrosegregation in different parts of the as-solidified sample was investigated (Ghods et al. in J Cryst Growth 441:107–116, 2016; J Cryst Growth 449:134–147, 2016). The current study is to use a two-phase columnar solidification model to analyze the segregation mechanisms as used in this experiment. Following flow phenomena and their contributions to the formation of macrosegregation are simulated and compared: (1) solidification shrinkage-induced feeding flow; (2) thermo-solutal convection; and (3) combined thermo-solutal convection and shrinkage-induced feeding flow. The shrinkage-induced feeding flow leads to an inverse (positive) segregation in the bottom part, and a severe negative segregation in the part below cross-sectional change. Thermo-solutal buoyancy leads to a so-called steepling convection in the main part of the sample (away from the bottom and cross-sectional change), and this kind of flow leads to a positive macrosegregation near the sample surface. The calculations have successfully explained the experimental result of macrosegregation.     

Corrosion Behaviour of Chrome–Manganese Austenitic Stainless Steels and AISI 304 Stainless Steel in Chloride Environment

Electrochemical behaviour of chrome–manganese austenitic stainless steels (Cr–Mn ASS) and AISI 304 stainless steel (SS) is evaluated in various chloride (Cl^?) concentrations (Cl^? free to 20,000 ppm) to simulate rural, industrial and marine environment. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has clearly shown that with increase in Cl^? concentration, the corrosion rate of both Cr–Mn ASS and AISI 304 SS increases and polarization resistance decreases. Comparatively, Cr–Mn ASS is more affected by Cl^? concentration than AISI 304 SS. This is attributed to relatively low Cr content and lack of Ni. The findings have been explained with the help of point defect model. However, in less aggressive environment of up to 100 ppm Cl^? concentration, Cr–Mn ASS may be a candidate material as a cheaper substitute of AISI 304 SS. Ways of improving corrosion resistance of Cr–Mn ASS by alloying with various elements have also been discussed. It is argued that a dedicated effort is needed to improve corrosion resistance of Ni-free or low-Ni Cr–Mn ASS.     

Precipitation Kinetics of Cr2N in High Nitrogen Austenitic Stainless Steel

 The precipitation behavior of Cr2N during isothermal aging in the temperature range from 700 ℃ to 950 ℃ in Fe 18Cr 12Mn 048N (in mass percent) high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel, including morphology and content of precipitate, was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The isothermal precipitation kinetics curve of Cr2N and the corresponding precipitation activation energy were obtained. The results show that Cr2N phase precipitates in a cellular way and its morphology is transformed from initial granular precipitates to lamellar ones in the cell with increasing aging time. The nose temperature of Cr2N precipitation is about 800 ℃, with a corresponding incubation period of 30 min, and the ceiling temperature of Cr2N precipitation is 950 ℃. The diffusion activation energy of Cr2N precipitation is 296 kJ/mol.     

Studies on Welding and Sensitization of Chrome–Manganese Austenitic Stainless Steel

The standard composition of austenitic stainless steel (ASS) includes Cr and Ni. However, due to rising cost of Ni, search for suitable alternative is always on. Manganese, on account of being an austenite stabilizer, can be considered as a replacement of Ni. Chrome–manganese steel (part of 200 series of ASS) contains chromium (≤15%) and low nickel. However, there is not enough confidence about their service life. Present work is an attempt to study the effect of welding and sensitization characteristics of this steel. The heat affected zone (HAZ) is identified microstructurally as per ASTM standard A262 Practice A test. Time temperature sensitization (TTS) diagram is established and critical cooling rate (CCR) is estimated. double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DLEPR) technique is used to quantify degree of sensitization (DOS) for heat treated and welded samples. The DOS for thermally aged sample at 750°C for 180 min is found to be 32.56% whereas for welded sample it is 31.30%. The results are discussed and mechanism of micro-structural changes due to welding of such steel is suggested.     

The Effect of Cold Rolling on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a New Cr–Mn Austenitic Stainless Steel in Comparison with AISI 316 Stainless Steel

In the present study the effect of room temperature rolling on microstructure and mechanical properties of a new Cr–Mn austenitic stainless steel (containing 12 %Cr, 23 %Mn and 0.13 %C) and AISI 316 steel was investigated. The specimens of these steels were cold rolled at various thickness reductions of 0, 12, 25, 37 and 50 %. Microstructural investigations were carried out using optical microscopy, magnetic field test and X-ray diffraction technique. Hardness and tensile test methods were also done to evaluate the mechanical properties. Results showed that some of austenite phase transformed to martensite during cold rolling in the 316 steel, while there was no strain induced transformation in the Cr–Mn steel. It was also found that the newly developed steel had higher strength and higher specific strength than those of the 316 steel, while its ductility was the same as that of the 316.     

Morphology and Forming Mechanism of Rare Earth Inclusions During Solidification of Steel

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Effect of a High Magnetic Field on γ′ Phase for Ni-Based Single Crystal Superalloy During Directional Solidification

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B - The effect of a high magnetic field on the γ′ phase of Ni-based single crystal superalloy during directional solidification is investigated...     

Thermodynamic Basis of Non-equilibrium Phase Transformations of bcc β-Phase in Ti–Mo System

This study reports the experimental identification of transformation products of high temperature bcc β phase in Ti–xMo (x = 1, 7, 15, 25 wt%) alloys and aims to understand the transformations by thermodynamic modelling. The high temperature bcc β phase had undergone martensitic transformation in Ti–1Mo and Ti–7Mo alloys, resulting in acicular martensitic structure within large β grains. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the martensite to be hcp (α′) and orthorhombic (α″) in Ti–1Mo and Ti–7Mo alloys respectively. Combined analysis of XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggested the formation of fine plates of α″, omega (ω) and bcc β phases in Ti-15 and Ti-25 Mo alloys. Calculation of enthalpy of formation supported the stability of solid solution phase over the amorphous phase in the entire concentration range of Mo.     

Effect of Starting As-cast Structure on the Microstructure–Texture Evolution During Subsequent Processing and Finally Ridging Behavior of Ferritic Stainless Steel

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - Effect of the initial as-cast structure on the microstructure–texture evolution during thermomechanical processing of 409L grade ferritic...     

Formation Mechanism and Nucleation Effect of Ti2O3–TiN Complex Nucleus at Solidification Front of 18Cr Ferritic Stainless Steel

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B - Formation mechanism of Ti2O3–TiN complex nucleus and its nucleation effect on δ-Fe at solidification front of Fe-18Cr ferritic stainless...     

Effects of Cerium Addition on Inclusions and Solidification Structure of a Low-Nickel Si–Mn-Killed Stainless Steel

The effect of cerium on inclusions and solidification structure of a low-nickel Si–Mn-killed stainless steel is studied using laboratory experiments. When the cerium content in steel increased from 0 to 250 ppm, modification sequence of inclusions is Si–Mn(–Al)–O and MnS → Ce–Si–Mn–O–S → Ce(–Si)–O–S → CeS and CeC₂. The number density and area fraction of inclusion first decrease with the increase in the cerium content and then increase due to the formation of CeC₂ inclusions when the cerium content is bigger than 150 ppm, which is precipitated in solid steel during solidification. When the cerium content increases from 0 to 250 ppm, the fraction of equiaxed grain zones of steel ingot first increases and reaches a maximum value when the cerium content is 54 ppm; then the fraction of equiaxed grain zones decreases with the increase of the cerium content. 2D lattice misfit calculations are performed and it is found that there are no heterogeneous nucleation cores in the steel without cerium during solidification. For the steel with cerium, Ce_4.67Si₃O₁₃, Ce₂O₂S, and CeS inclusions act as heterogeneous nucleation cores, increasing the fraction of the equiaxed grain zone. Bigger effective heterogeneous nucleation cores number density leads to a larger fraction of the equiaxed grain zone.     

Observation of Misoriented Tertiary Dendrite Arms During Controlled Directional Solidification in Aluminum-7 Wt?pct Silicon Alloys

Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) examination of transverse cross sections from a directionally solidified aluminum-7 wt?pct silicon alloy revealed tertiary dendrite arms that appeared in place but in reality had orientations that significantly differed from their parent arm. The maximum extent of spuriously orientated arms occurred at an intermediate growth velocity and was more pronounced at subgrain boundaries that separated uniquely oriented dendritic arrays. Mechanisms for tertiary arm misorientations are discussed, and attention is called to the practical consequences of these in-situ defects.     

Erosion and Corrosion of Mild Steel and Stainless Steel in Sodium Carbonate／Bicarbonate Solution Bearing Alumina Particle

With a rotating cylinder electrode apparatus, the polarization behaviors of the mildsteel and the stainless steel 0Crl8Ni9 in NaHCO3 (0.5M) NazCO3 (0.5M) solution with andwithout erodent particles were investigated and compared. The results show that the rotationspeed of cylinder hardly affects the polarization behavior of sample in solution without particlesbut exerts a great influence on that with particles. Increasing rotation speed, the free corrosionpotential shifts to positive direction and the oxygen limiting current density increases. Both themild steel and stainless steel 0Crl8Ni9 experience a significant increase of the mass loss by in-creasing erosion, and erosive wear was dominated by severe micro-plowing. The insufficientmechanical strength of both materials leads to a low resistance to particle removal. Increasingperipheral velocities of the rotating cylinder enhances the corrosion rate of the mild steel. Thestainless steel 0Crl8Ni9, due to a high erosive wear, also suffers from similar erosion-corrosiondamage, despite that its corrosion resistance is much higher than that of the mild steel.     

Corrosion Products and Formation Mechanism During Initial Stage of Atmospheric Corrosion of Carbon Steel

The formation and development of corrosion products on carbon steel surface during the initial stage of atmospheric corrosion in a laboratory simulated environment have been studied by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that two different shapes of corrosion products, that is, ring and chain, were formed in the initial stage of corrosion. MnS clusters were found in the nuclei of corrosion products at the active local corrosion sites. The ring-shaped products were composed of lepidocrocite （γ-FeOOH） and maghemite （γ-Fe2O2 ） transformed from lepidocrocite. The chain-type products were goethite （α-FeOOH）. A formation mechanism of the corrosion products is proposed.