Thermally activated growth of lath martensite in Fe–Cr–Ni–Al stainless steel

The austenite to martensite transformation in a semi-austenitic stainless steel containing 17 wt-%Cr, 7 wt-%Ni and 1 wt-%Al was investigated with vibrating sample magnetometry and electron backscatter diffraction. Magnetometry demonstrated that, within experimental accuracy, martensite formation can be suppressed on fast cooling to 77 K as well as on subsequent fast heating to 373 K. Surprisingly, martensite formation was observed during moderate heating from 77 K, instead. Electron backscatter diffraction demonstrated that the morphology of martensite is lath type. The kinetics of the transformation is interpreted in terms of athermal nucleation of lath martensite followed by thermally activated growth. It is anticipated that substantial autocatalytic martensite formation occurs during thermally activated growth. The observation of a retardation of the transformation followed by a new acceleration during slow isochronal (i.e. at constant rate) cooling is interpreted in terms of the combined effect of the strain energy introduced in the system during martensite formation, which thermodynamically and/or mechanically stabilises austenite, and autocatalytic nucleation of martensite.     

低温临界区退火时间对22MnB5钢组织和性能的影响

为了研究22MnB5钢在退火过程中的组织演变规律,细化热冲压成形后马氏体板条束,通过扫描电镜(SEM)、能谱分析、电子背散射衍射(EBSD)分析技术和拉伸实验等方法,研究了不同低温临界区退火时间对22MnB5钢显微组织和力学性能的影响,并阐述了不均匀奥氏体在退火过程中的转变机制及合金元素对粒状珠光体形成的影响.研究表明,经低温临界区不同退火时间保温及随后等温处理后,得到不同的珠光体形态,在770℃保温0.5 h,并在700℃等温处理后,得到铁素体基体上分布颗粒状碳化物的粒状珠光体组织;随着临界区保温时间的延长,奥氏体转变逐渐均匀,使部分奥氏体在随后的等温过程中发生共析转变,得到多边形铁素体+片层状珠光体组织.粒状珠光体组织有利于细化淬火后的马氏体板条束,提高综合力学性能.     

Microstructure of as-quenched 3.5NiCrMoV rotor steel. Part I. General structure and retained austenite

The microstructural features have been examined for 3.5NiCrMoV steam turbine rotor steel, in the as-quenched state and tempered at 500 °C. Quenching produces lath martensite, with bands of retained austenite at the lath boundaries and, to a lesser extent, at prior austenite grain-boundaries. Autotempering occurs during the quench, resulting in loss of tetragonality of the martensite and extensive carbide precipitation in the matrix and to a lesser degree at prior austenite grain boundaries, but not at lath boundaries. Tempering at 500 °C leaves the lath structure largely intact, but causes retained austenite to transform to bands of ferrite and cementite. This transformation does not correlate with the reduction in stress corrosion crack velocity which occurs on tempering. The strength of 3.5NiCrMoV steel in the as-quenched and 500 °C tempered conditions is most probably due to the combination of carbide precipitation strengthening and substructure strengthening.     

Anomalous kinetics of lath martensite formation in stainless steel

The kinetics of lath martensite formation in Fe–17·3 wt-%Cr–7·1 wt-%Ni–1·1 wt-%Al–0·08 wt-%C stainless steel was investigated with magnetometry and microscopy. Lath martensite forms during cooling, heating and isothermally. For the first time, it is shown by magnetometry during extremely slow isochronal cooling that transformation rate maxima occur, which are interrupted by virtually transformation free temperature regions. Microscopy confirms martensite formation after athermal nucleation of clusters followed by their time dependent growth. The observations are interpreted in terms of time dependent autocatalytic lath martensite formation followed by mechanical stabilisation of austenite during the transformation process.     

Structure and hardness of laser-processed Fe-0.2%C-5%Cr and Fe-0.2%C-10%Cr alloys

The effects of high quench rates achieved through a laser surface-alloying process on the martensitic transformations of Fe-0.2%C-Cr steels (up to 10wt% chromium) were investigated. The microstructural variables: martensitic morphology and its substructure; amount of retained austenite; and carbide precipitation were characterized by optical metallography and thin foil transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructures exhibited were fully lath martensitic type, the substructure of which consisted of dislocations. The morphology and substructure of martensite were influenced neither by the chromium content of the alloy nor by the laser parameters (or melt depth) employed. Thin films of retained austenite were observed at packet and lath boundaries of martensite and at prior austenite grain boundaries. The amount of retained austenite was found to decrease with decrease in melt depth. TEM studies also revealed the presence of more or less continuous cementite films both at the lath boundaries and within the laths. Microhardness measurements had shown that the hardness increased with increase in chromium content of the alloy but appeared to be independent of melt depth.     

前驱体对含Cu低碳钢I&Q&P处理后组织性能的影响

采用IQP工艺和EPMA、SEM和XRD等手段,研究了3种前驱体对含Cu低碳钢残余奥氏体含量及力学性能的影响。结果表明,双相区保温初期试验钢奥氏体长大由C配分控制,后期由合金元素Mn、Cu配分控制;双相区保温奥氏体化后,双相区配分后形成弥散分布的局部高浓度Mn、Cu区域仍保留富集效果,在随后的淬火-碳配分阶段易于形成残余奥氏体。经IQP处理后,前驱体为P+F的钢室温组织中马氏体板条较粗,原始奥氏体晶界并不明显;前驱体为F+M钢得到的马氏体板条有序细密;前驱体为M的钢室温组织中马氏体板条更加细密。其中,前驱体组织为M的钢中残余奥氏体量最高,延伸率为24.1%,强塑积可达25 338 MPa·%,综合性能最好。     

30CrNi3MoV低合金超高强钢中的马氏体相变

通过对马氏体的显微组织进行分析,并结合线膨胀试验得到的相变动力学信息研究了30CrNi3MoV低合金超高强钢中的马氏体相变特征.结果表明:淬火冷却30CrNi3MoV钢的相变产物包括低碳板条状和高碳针状两种马氏体形态,两者的形成在动力学曲线中截然分开.板条马氏体形成于Ms以下的较高温(310℃～260℃),相变过程中发生了碳的重新分配,造成富碳奥氏体微区的形成;高碳针状马氏体形成于Ms以下的较低温(260℃～170℃),由富碳奥氏体微区转变而成.板条马氏体形成速率远高于针状马氏体.     

Unified description of martensite microstructure and kinetics

A quantitative metallography method is described to obtain size and number per unit volume of martensite units from linear intercept measurements. The entailed relationship between the number per unit volume of martensite plates and the volume fraction transformed is consistent with the autocatalytic nature of martensite. Application to the athermal and the isothermal martensite reactions allowed development of a unified microstructure-kinetic model. Validation of the model equations was achieved with data pertaining to FeNiC and FeNiMn alloys found in the literature. The apparent activation energy for propagation of isothermal martensite yielded by the transformation curve is compatible with the value obtained from the initial transformation rate. The defect redistribution process austenite/martensite established during the thickening of the plates has a crucial role in autocatalysis.     

Acicular ferrite transformation in deformed austenite of an alloy-steel weld metal

The effect of different amounts (5, 10 and 15%) of compressive deformation of austenite on the isothermal transformation of acicular ferrite in an alloy-steel weld metal has been investigated. It was found that prior deformation of austenite significantly enhanced acicular ferrite transformation. At the same isothermal transformation temperature, as a higher amount of prior deformation was applied, a greater quantity of acicular ferrite could be obtained and the size of acicular ferrite plates became much finer. These results implied that the effective nucleation sites of acicular ferrite increased with increasing amount of prior deformation. The other results also emphasized that the accumulated strain (due to prior deformation of austenite) could trigger acicular ferrite to nucleate on inclusions at high temperatures, where undeformed austenite remained stable. The acicular ferrite start temperature was found to be raised continuously by increasing the amount of prior deformation of austenite. Further evidence suggests that the application of deformation can boost the driving force for acicular ferrite formation. This phenomenon is similar to the case in which martensite forms under the influence of deformation.     

Reverse phase transformation of martensite to austenite in stainless steels: a 3D phase-field study

The martensitic transformation of austenite as well as the reversion of martensite to austenite has been reported to significantly improve mechanical properties of steels. In the present work, three dimensional (3D) elastoplastic phase-field simulations are performed to study the kinetics of martensite reversion in stainless steels at different annealing temperatures. The input simulation data are acquired from different sources, such as CALPHAD, ab initio calculations, and experiments. The results show that the reversion occurs both at the lath boundaries as well as within the martensitic laths, which is in good agreement with the experimental observations. The reversion that occurs within the laths leads to splitting of a single martensite lath into two laths, separated by austenite. The results indicate that the reversed austenite retains a large extent of plasticity inherited from martensite.     

Isothermal decomposition of supercooled austenite in steels

Abstract

A brief rationalisation is made of the isothermal decomposition kinetics of supercooled austenite in steels. From the experimental evidence of the past several decades, it is concluded that each type of isothermal decomposition product, i.e. grain boundary allotriomorphs, Widmanstätten ferrite (and cementite), pearlite, upper bainite, lower bainite, lath martensite, and twinned martensite, has its own independent C-curve in time–temperature–transformation (TTT) diagrams. Special emphasis is placed on the isothermal transformation kinetics of martensite. It is demonstrated that martensite transformation follows C-curve kinetics in isothermal conditions; this is a general rule and holds for all steels. The reason why most experimental TTT diagrams fail to display separate C-curves for different products is briefly explained. A temperature–composition–product (TCP) diagram is constructed for Fe–C alloys (plain carbon steels) to depict the general pattern of the decomposition process and to display the conditions for the formation of the various decomposition products.

MST/1623     

Regular Pattern of Morphology Transition in Mixed Martensite Structures

The morphology and substructure of mixedmartensites in ferrous alloys have been examined byusing optical and transmission electron microscope.The results indicated that the main formation se-quence of martensitic morphology was butterfly→plate→lath,with decreasing forming temperatureswhen the plastic accommodation takes place in theparent phase,which is affected by the transforma-tion strain fiélds.It was shown that the martensitemorphology is not only decided by the formingtemperature alone,but also by the dislocation struc-ture in austenite before the transformation.     

初始组织对低碳钢IQ&P工艺残留奥氏体及力学性能的影响

采用双相区再加热-淬火-碳配分(IQP)工艺,研究初始组织为铁素体+珠光体的IQP-Ⅰ多相钢和初始组织为马氏体的IQP-Ⅱ多相钢的组织形貌、残留奥氏体及力学性能。结果表明:初始组织为铁素体+珠光体的IQP-Ⅰ多相钢室温组织中,铁素体和马氏体基本呈块状分布,块状残留奥氏体存在于铁素体与马氏体界面处,薄膜状只存在于马氏体内的板条之间,且残留奥氏体含量较少,TRIP效应不明显,其抗拉强度为957 MPa,伸长率只有20%,强塑积为19905.6MPa·%。初始组织为马氏体的IQP-Ⅱ多相钢中铁素体和马氏体大多呈灰黑色的板条状或针状,且细小的针状马氏体均匀地分布在铁素体基体上,残留奥氏体只以薄膜状平行分布在铁素体基体上,体积分数达到了13.2%,且具有较高的稳定性,TRIP效应较明显,强塑积达到21560MPa·%,可以获得强度和塑性的良好结合。     

Initial nucleation kinetics of martensite transformation

The initial rate of martensite transformation in Fe–Ni and Fe–Ni–Mn is described by the product of the probability of a nucleation site existing in an austenite grain times the probability of its propagation. The former depends on driving force, the latter on defect mobility. The onset of both athermal and isothermal martensite could be modeled in a consistent way, which suggests that both modes have common fundamentals.     

Martensitic transformation and work hardening of metastable austenite induced by abrasion in austenitic Fe-C-Cr-Mn-B Alloy - a TEM study

Abstract

The martensite transformation and work hardening of metastable austenite induced by abrasive wear in an austenitic Fe-C-Cr-Mn-B alloy were studied by TEM. The results show that an α' martensitic transformation occurred to form an elongated and equiaxial cellular dislocation substructure and the untransformed austenite matrix produced an equiaxial cellular dislocation substructure on the abraded surface. Electron diffraction patterns of the abraded material are composed of diffraction rings with series of broken arcs resulting from a fine grain structure and the deformation texture. The work hardening zone of austenite at the subsurface reveals heavy slip bands and deformation faults, at which the dislocations pile up. Examples of ? martensite induced by abrasive wear can be detected. The α' martensite transformation and metastable austenite work hardening should bring about an increase in surface hardness and wear resistance. Additionally, the cellular dislocation substructure of α' and γ have a significant effect on increasing the hardness of the wear surface. Observation by TEM indicates that the α' martensite transformation happens more easily in the austenite matrix near the carbide (Fe, Cr)₇C₃ as a result of the depletion of carbon and chromium.     

The microstructure evolution and tensile properties of medium-Mn steel heat-treated by a two-step annealing process

The martensitic hot-rolled 0.3C-6Mn-1.5Si(wt％)steel was annealed at 630℃for 24 h to improve its cold rollability,followed by cold rolling and annealing at 670℃for 10 min.The annealing process was designed based on the capacities of industrial batch annealing and continuous annealing lines.A duplex submicron austenite and ferrite microstructure and excellent tensile properties were obtained finally,proved the above process is feasible."Austenite memory"was found in the hot-rolled and annealed sample which restricted recrystallization of lath martensite,leading to lath-shaped morphology of austenite and fer-rite grains."Austenite memory"disappeared in the cold-rolled and annealed sample due to austenite random nucleation and ferrite recrystallization,resulting in globular microstructure and refinement of both austenite and ferrite grains.The austenite to martensite transformation contributed most of strain hardening during deformation and improved the uniform elongation,but the dislocation strengthening played a decisive role on the yielding behavior.The tensile curves change from continuous to discontin-uous yielding as the increase of cold-rolled reduction due to the weakening dislocation strengthening of austenite and ferrite grains related to the morphology change and grain refinement.A method by controlling the cold-rolled reduction is proposed to avoid the Liiders strain.     

Formation of the reversed austenite during intercritical tempering in a Fe-13%Cr-4%Ni-Mo martensitic stainless steel

Formation of the reversed austenite obtained by intercritical tempering has been studied via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in a Fe-13%Cr-4%Ni-Mo low carbon martensitic stainless steel. It is found that the precipitation of M₂₃C₆ carbides along the martensite lath boundaries will result in Ni-enrichment in the adjacent region. The reversed austenite forms with the Ni-enrichment region as the nucleation sites, keeps a cube-cube orientation relationship with the M₂₃C₆ carbides and bears the Kurdjumov-Sachs (K-S) relationship with the martensite. Moreover, the reversed austenite formed inside the martensite laths is also confirmed. The mechanism for formation of the reversed austenite is discussed in detail.     

Isothermal transformations in advanced high strength steels below martensite start temperature

Abstract

The transformation products in advanced high strength steels have been studied during the isothermal decomposition of austenite, subsequent to initial martensite formation. Rapid cooling to various temperatures below martensite start was carried out in a dilatometer with the intention to form controlled volume fractions of initial martensite and austenite, followed by isothermal holding. The transformation kinetics was monitored by means of dilatometry and microstructural characterisation by scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray diffraction. Hardness measurements of the resulting microstructures were analysed. The results revealed that the microstructures formed below M_S are mainly composed of different fractions of tempered martensite, isothermal bainite with carbide precipitation and retained austenite.     

TEM Studies on Martensitic Transformation in Fe-Cr-W-V-C Alloy

The martensitic transformation inFe-Cr-W-V-C alloy has been investigated byTEM.The habit plane of martensite is near (252)_f,the austenite/martensite orientation relationship isKurdjumov-Sachs'.In the martensite plates thereare twins on (112)[ 1]_b,dislocation tangles and thelattice defects on (011)_b plane.In the austenite nearthe growing martensite plates,the dislocations withhigh density and stacking faults can be observed.The substructure of martensite may probably be theresult of accommodation deformation duringmartensitic transformations.     

Pressure induced martensite transformation in plain carbon steel

Abstract

In the present study, plain low carbon steel with 0·033 wt-% carbon content was subjected to severe pressure during continuous cooling from austenite region. The pressure increased gradually and then suddenly released by the breakdown of ram under pressure. As a result, a microstructure composed of 80% lath martensite and 20% ferrite was produced. Results showed that the martensite formation is not due to the effect of cooling rate but the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the austenite to ferrite transformation start temperature Ar₃.