The microstructure and mechanical properties of prolonged and lower temperature aged Fe–Ni–Mn–Mo–Ti–Cr maraging steel

In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe–Ni–Mn–Mo–Ti–Cr maraging steel at low temperature and prolonged aging condition were investigated. Optical and scanning electron microscopy examinations, tensile and hardness tests were conducted to study the microstructure, aging behavior and mechanical properties of the cold‐rolled steel. The results showed that aging of cold rolled Fe–Ni–Mn–Mo–Ti–Cr maraging steel resulted in the formation of Mo rich and Ti rich Lave phase precipitates. Existence of many dislocation cores due to cold rolling and subsequently, low temperature aging caused to formation of uniform distribution of very fine precipitates. The presence of these precipitates increased the yield and ultimate tensile strengths but couldn't improve the uniform tensile ductility. This alloy showed ultra‐high fracture stress of about 1950 MPa with a negligible tensile elongation (about 2 %) at the peak aged condition. The fractographic studies indicated this alloy shows semi‐brittle fracture in the subsequent aging treatment.     

Influence of nitriding on corrosion resistance of martensitic X17CrNi16‐2 stainless steel

Nitriding increases surface hardness and improves wear resistance of stainless steels. However, nitriding can sometimes reduce their corrosion resistance. In this paper, the influence of nitriding on the corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steel was investigated. Plasma nitriding at 440 °C and 525 °C and salt bath nitrocarburizing were carried out on X17CrNi16‐2 stainless steel. Microhardness profiles of the obtained nitrided layers were examined. Phase composition analysis and quantitative depth profile analysis of the nitrided layers were preformed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and glow‐discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD‐OES), respectively. Corrosion behaviour was evaluated by immersion test in 1% HCl, salt spray test in 5% NaCl and electrochemical corrosion tests in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution. Results show that salt bath nitrocarburizing, as well as plasma nitriding at low temperature, increased microhardness without significantly reducing corrosion resistance. Plasma nitriding at a higher temperature increased the corrosion tendency of the X17CrNi16‐2 steel.     

Development of the heating and forming strategy in compound forging of hybrid steel‐aluminum parts

In times of increasing energy costs automotive light weight construction is gaining more importance. The production of hybrid compounds by forging is a promising method for manufacturing functional parts by applying resource‐saving process steps. The mechanical properties of these parts can be specifically adapted to the requirements. In compound forging of steel‐aluminum parts the two materials need to be heated to different forming temperatures. In this paper, the challenges and their methods for the development of a heating and forming strategy based on different material characteristics are presented.     

Untersuchung einer mehrlagigen Schweißnaht eines dickwandigen Rohres aus dem austenitischen Stahl X6 CrNiNb 18 10

Analysis of a multi pass weld of a thick walled tube made of austenitic stainless steel X6 CrNiNb 18 10 In this paper, microstructure and residual stresses of a multi pass welding of a thick‐walled tube made of austenitic stainless steel X6 CrNiNb 18 10 (1.4550) are systematically characterized and assessed. Results of microstructural and phase analyses, residual stress and hardness measurements as well as of a tensile test using micro specimen and SEM analyses are presented. Using these data, plastic deformations occurring during the welding process in the vicinity of the weld seam are evaluated. Finally, consequences of an additional heat treatment at 400 °C/24 h are studied.     

Increasing the wear resistance of stainless steels

The wear resistance of martensitic, austenitic and duplex stainless steels is increased by carbon and nitrogen in solid solution and in addition by carbides and nitrides, which are formed during conventional ingot metallurgy or by powder metallurgical processing. High temperature and low temperature nitriding provide a hard surface zone. Characteristic alloys and applications are discussed, which try to optimize the resistance to wear and corrosion.     

Deformation and life assessment of high temperature materials under creep fatigue loading

The knowledge of mechanical long term behaviour under static and cyclic loading for high temperature components requires methodologies for life assessment in order to employ the full potential of materials. A phenomenological life time prediction concept which was developed for multi‐stage creep fatigue loading demonstrates the applicability of rules for synthesis of stress strain path and relaxation including an internal stress concept, as well as mean stress effects. Further, a creep fatigue interaction concept which was also developed covers a wide range of creep dominant loading as well as fatigue dominant loading. Service‐type experiments conducted at different strain rates and hold times for verification purposes demonstrate the acceptability of life prediction method for variation of conventional 1 %Cr‐steels as well as modern high chromium 9‐10 %Cr‐steels. Generally, the service life of components is influenced by multi‐axial behaviour. Multi‐axial experiments with e.g. notched specimens and with cruciform specimens accompanied by advanced methods for calculation of stress strain path and life time prediction stress conditions are of future interest.     

Korrosionsbeständigkeit eines nichtrostenden Chromstahls in karbonatisiertem Normal‐, Leicht‐ und Recyclingbeton

Um der Forderung nach Nachhaltigkeit nachzukommen, wird in den nächsten Jahren der Einsatz von Betonen mit rezyklierten Gesteinskörnungen (Beton‐ und Mischabbruch) zunehmen. Wegen den wärmedämmenden Eigenschaften wird auch der Bedarf an Betonen mit Leichtzuschlägen (z. B. Blähglas) steigen. Als wesentliches Element dieser Entwicklung werden für die Zementund Betonproduktion zunehmend Zemente mit reduziertem Portlandzementklinkergehalt sowie Zusatzstoffe wie Flugasche und Hüttensand verwendet. Damit nimmt der Karbonatisierungswiderstand der Betone tendenziell ab und das Risiko für Korrosionsschäden zu. Die nachfolgend vorgestellten Untersuchungen hatten zum Ziel, die Korrosionsbeständigkeit eines nichtrostenden Chromstahls (Top12, Zusammensetzung entspricht ungefähr dem Stahl mit der Werkstoffnummer 1.4003) in karbonatisiertem Beton mit unterschiedlicher Zusammensetzung zu evaluieren, mit normalem Betonstahl zu vergleichen und zu beurteilen. Die Ergebnisse lassen den Schluss zu, dass der Top12, im Gegensatz zum normalen Betonstahl, in allen untersuchten Betonen und damit auch in stark karbonatisierten Recyclingbetonen beständig ist. Corrosion Resistance of a Stainless Chromium‐Steel in Carbonated Ordinary, Light‐Weight and Recycling Concrete In order to achieve the goals for a sustainable development, concrete with recycled aggregates (concrete and mixtures from concrete and masonry, e.g. clay bricks and calcium silicate blocks etc.) is going to be used more and more in the future. Due to its thermal insulating properties, the demand for concrete with light‐weight aggregates (e.g. foam glass) will also increase. As an essential element of this development, an increasing amount of cements with a reduced clinker factor as well as of mineral additions such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag is used for concrete production. Therefore, as a general tendency, the carbonation resistance of concrete mixes decreases while the risk of corrosion damages increases. The goal of the investigations described in this paper was to evaluate and to assess the corrosion resistance of a stainless rebar (Top12, composition corresponds approx. to steel grade 1.4003) in various carbonated concrete mixes and to compare the results with common rebars. The results lead to the conclusion that, in contrast to common rebars, Top12 is durable in all investigated concrete mixes, including strongly carbonated recycling concretes.