Thermal embrittlement of 18 Ni(350) maraging steel

The embrittlement of as-solutionized 18 Ni(350) Maraging steel was monitored as a function of heat treatment variables by means of Charpy impact tests. The processing parameters of interest were annealing temperatures in the range of 1900° to 2400°F, intermediate holding temperatures in the range of 1300° to 1800°F, and the quenching rate. The changes in fracture mode with heat treatment were characterized by replica and scanning electron microscopy. The severity of thermal embrittlement increases with decreasing cooling rate from the annealing treatment upon direct quenching to room temperature. Intermediate isothermal holding, particularly at 1500° to 1600°F, further accentuates the embrittlement. A large grain size is beneficial to the toughness when rapid direct quenches from the annealing range are imposed but is detrimental upon air cooling or intermediate holding. The major loss in toughness may be associated with the diffusion of interstitial impurity atoms (C+N) to the austenite grain boundaries during cooling or intermediate isothermal holding below 2000°F. An advanced stage of the embrittlement is characterized by the discrete precipitation of Ti(C,N) platelets on these boundaries. Thermal embrittlement is accompanied by change in fracture mode from transgranular dimpled rupture to intergranular quasi-cleavage.