High-temperature X-ray diffraction study of phase transformations in nitrogen-bearing steels

The phase composition, lattice parameters, and residual stresses in the α and γ phases of steels containing 0.14–1.2 wt % N are determined by high-temperature X-ray diffraction at 20–1200°C. A procedure is proposed for the in situ quantitative study of the Cr₂N nitride dissolution kinetics and austenite grain growth when diffraction patterns are taken at high temperatures. The temperature boundaries of the decomposition of the α and γ phases and the temperature of complete dissolution of nitride phases are found. The formation of interphase residual stresses during thermal treatment is considered.