Twin structure of the lath martensite in low carbon steel

It has been well accepted that the martensites in quenched carbon steels exhibit two typical morphologies which are closely dependent on the carbon content, i.e. lath martensite in low carbon steels and lenticular martensite in high carbon steels. Based on conventional belief, the lath martensites in low carbon steels are with high density dislocations as the substructure, in contrast to twin substructure in lenticular high carbon martensite. In the present work, an intensive transmission electron microscopy investigation was made to characterize the microstructures of the lath martensite in a low carbon steel of 0.2 wt%C. It was found that lots of lath martensites consist of twin as their substructure, rather than high density dislocations. In addition, nanoscale precipitates cohering with ferrite matrix were found at the twin interfaces. The orientation relationships between the precipitates and the ferrite matrix are in good agreement with that of primitive hexagonal ω phase in titanium alloys and other bcc metals or alloys.     

Effects of chromium on the corrosion and electrochemical behaviors of ultra high strength steels

The effects of chromium on the corrosion and the electrochemical behaviors of ultra high strength steels were studied by the salt spray test and electrochemical methods. The results show that ultra high strength steels remain martensite structures and have anodic dissolution characteristic with an increase of chromium content. There is no typical passive region on the polarization curves of an ultra high strength stainless steel, AerMet 100 steel, and 300M steel. However, chromium improves the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel remarkably. It has the slowest corrosion rate in the salt spray test, one order of magnitude less than that of AerMet 100 and 300M steels. With the increase of chromium content, the polarization resistance becomes larger, the corrosion potential shifts towards the positive direction with a value of 545 mV, and the corrosion current density decreases in electrochemical measures in 3.5wt% NaCl solutions. Because of the higher content of chromium, the ultra high strength stainless steel has a better corrosion resistance than AerMet 100 and 300M steels.     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of C-Mn-Cr-Nb and C-Mn-Si-Nb ultra-high strength dual-phase steels

The microstructures and mechanical properties of C-Mn-Cr-Nb and C-Mn-Si-Nb ultra-high strength dual-phase steels were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile test. The results show that Si can promote the transformation of austenite (γ) to ferrite (α), enlarge the (α+γ) region, and increase the aging stability of martensite by inhibiting carbide precipitation. Adding Cr leads to the formation of retained austenite and martensite/austenite (M/A) constituents, as well as the decomposition of martensite during the overaging stage. Both of the steels show higher initial strain-hardening rates and two-stage strain-hardening characteristics. The C-Mn-Si-Nb steel shows the higher strain-hardening rate than the C-Mn-Cr-Nb steel in the first stage; however, there is no significant difference in the second stage. Although the tensile strength and elongation of the two steels both exceed 1000 MPa and 15%, respectively, the comprehensive mechanical properties of the C-Mn-Si-Nb steel are superior.     

High temperature strength and ductility of the (C+N) strengthening Fe-Cr-Mn(W,V) steels

Fe-Cr-Mn(W, V) austenite steels used as low radioactive structural materials in fusion reactor have been investigated. The resultsshow that the high temperature strength and the creep fracture life of Fe-Cr-Mn(W, V) steels can be effectively improved through (C+N) complex-strengthening, so can be the high temperature ductility. The strength and ductility of the steels are superior to that of SUS316 steels and JPCAS below 673K. The relationship between strength, ductility andthe formation temperature is related to the evolution of deformation microstructure. The fracture and microstructure observation above 673Kindicates that the main way to further improve ductility at high temperature is the control of carbide coarsening at the grain boundaries.     

Recent progress in third-generation low alloy steels developed under M^3 microstructure control

During the past thirty years, two generations of low alloy steels(ferrite/pearlite followed by bainite/martensite) have been developed and widely used in structural applications. The third-generation of low alloy steels is expected to achieve high strength and improved ductility and toughness, while satisfying the new demands for weight reduction, greenness, and safety. This paper reviews recent progress in the development of third-generation low alloy steels with an M^3 microstructure, namely, microstructures with multi-phase, meta-stable austenite, and multi-scale precipitates. The review summarizes the alloy designs and processing routes of microstructure control, and the mechanical properties of the alloys.The stabilization of retained austenite in low alloy steels is especially emphasized. Multi-scale nano-precipitates, including carbides of microalloying elements and Cu-rich precipitates obtained in third-generation low alloy steels, are then introduced. The structure–property relationships of third-generation alloys are also discussed. Finally, the promises and challenges to future applications are explored.     

Recent progress in third-generation low alloy steels developed under M~3 microstructure control

During the past thirty years, two generations of low alloy steels(ferrite/pearlite followed by bainite/martensite) have been developed and widely used in structural applications. The third-generation of low alloy steels is expected to achieve high strength and improved ductility and toughness, while satisfying the new demands for weight reduction, greenness, and safety. This paper reviews recent progress in the development of third-generation low alloy steels with an M~3 microstructure, namely, microstructures with multi-phase, meta-stable austenite, and multi-scale precipitates. The review summarizes the alloy designs and processing routes of microstructure control, and the mechanical properties of the alloys.The stabilization of retained austenite in low alloy steels is especially emphasized. Multi-scale nano-precipitates, including carbides of microalloying elements and Cu-rich precipitates obtained in third-generation low alloy steels, are then introduced. The structure–property relationships of third-generation alloys are also discussed. Finally, the promises and challenges to future applications are explored.     

Corrosion Fatigue Behavior of Duplex Stainless Steel in 3.5% Sodium Chloride Solution

The corrosion fatigue behavior of duplex stainless steel (DSS) was studied at different cyclic stress levels in 3.5%NaCl (mass fraction, so as the follows) solution (pH=7) at 50 ℃. The results showed that DSS was susceptible to pitting corrosion and corrosion fatigue. Both intergranluar corrosion cracking and transgranlular corrosion cracking initiated at the bottom of pitting holes. Furthermore, the corrosion fatigue properties of DSS in 3.5%NaCl solution may be relatived to complex electrochemical and mechanical coupling effects between the three phases (austenite, ferrite and martensite), where martensite and ferrite were anodic in the corrosion cell and could be prone to cracking under certain condition.     

Effects of Si on the stability of retained austenite and temper embrittlement of ultrahigh strength steels

Effects of silicon (Si) content on the stability of retained austenite and temper embrittlement of ultrahigh strength steels were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and other experimental methods. The results show that Si can suppress temper embrittlement, improve temper resistance, and hinder the decomposition of retained austenite. Reversed austenite appears gradually with the increase of Si content during tempering. Si has a significant effect on enhancing carbon (C) partitioning and improving the stability of retained austenite. Si and C atoms are mutually exclusive in lath bainite, while they attract each other in austenite. ?-carbides are found in 1.8wt% Si steel tempered at 250℃, and they get coarsened obviously when tempered at 400℃, leading to temper embrittlement. Not ?-carbides but acicular or lath carbides lead to temper embrittlement in 0.4wt% Si steel, which can be inferred as cementites and composite compounds. Temper embrittlement is closely related to the decomposition of retained austenite and the formation of reversed austenite.     

Electrochemical investigation on the hydrogen permeation behavior of 7075-T6 Al alloy and its influence on stress corrosion cracking

The hydrogen permeation behavior and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of precharged 7075-T6 Al alloy were investigated in this paper. Devanthan–Stachurski (D-S) cell tests were used to measure the apparent hydrogen diffusivity and hydrogen permeation current density of specimens immersed in 3.5wt% NaCl solution. Electrochemical experiment results show that the SCC susceptibility is low during anodic polarization. Both corrosion pits and hydrogen-induced cracking are evident in scanning electron microscope images after the specimens have been charging for 24 h.     

含铬合金钢在碳化混凝土孔隙溶液中的抗氯性

The effect of carbonation on the chloride resistance of low-carbon steel and two Cr-bearing alloy steels in simulated concrete pore solutions was investigated. The chloride threshold values of steels were determined on the basis of corrosion potential (E_corr) and polarization resistance (R_p). Moreover, the chloride-induced corrosion behavior of steels was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, cathodic potentiodynamic polarization, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. Alloy steels have higher chloride resistance than low-carbon steel in carbonated and non-carbonated concrete pore solutions. The chloride resistance of alloy steels improves with increasing Cr content. In addition, the chloride resistance of all steels is negatively affected by the carbonation of concrete pore solution, especially for alloy steel with high Cr content in the presence of high chloride content.     

Effects of heat treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of a new type of nitrogen-containing die steel

Nitrogen can increase the strength of steels without weakening the toughness and improve the corrosion resistance at the same time. Compared with conventional nitrogen-free die steels, a new type of nitrogen-containing die steel was developed with many superior properties, such as high strength, high hardness, and good toughness. This paper focused on the effects of heat treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the new type of nitrogen-containing die steel, which were investigated by the optimized deformation process and heat treatment. Isothermal spheroidal annealing and high-temperature quenching as well as high-temperature tempering were applied in the experiment by means of an orthogonal method after the steel was multiply forged. The mechanical properties of nitrogen-containing die steel forgings are better than the standard of NADCA #207-2003.     

铸造超双相和超双相不锈钢的力学、腐蚀和冲蚀性能对比

Duplex stainless steels (DSSs) used in subsea structures and desalination industries require high corrosion and erosion resistance as well as excellent mechanical properties. The newly introduced cast duplex grade ASTM A890 7A has a unique composition and is expected to have a much better resistance to corrosion and erosion compared with the super-duplex grades 5A and 6A. This work is a comparative study of the mechanical properties, corrosion, and erosion?corrosion resistance of super-duplex grades 5A and 6A and the hyper-duplex grade 7A. The three DSSs exhibited equiaxial austenite islands in the ferrite matrix and balanced phase ratios. The hardness of the grade 7A was nearly 15% higher than those of the super-duplex grades, which is attributed to the effect of the higher contents of W and Mn in 7A. The impact toughness of grade 7A was found to be lower than those of the super-duplex grades due to the carbide precipitation resulting from the partial substitution of Mo with W. The oxide layer strengthening effect of rare earth elements and the higher pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) of grade 7A resulted in higher corrosion resistance. The harder and more passive grade 7A showed a 35% lower material loss during erosion?corrosion.     

Abrasive resistance of metastable V–Cr–Mn–Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons using the factorial design method

Full factorial design was used to evaluate the two-body abrasive resistance of 3wt%C–4wt%Mn–1.5wt%Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons with varying vanadium (5.0wt%–10.0wt%) and chromium (up to 9.0wt%) contents. The alloys were quenched at 920℃. The regression equation of wear rate as a function of V and Cr contents was proposed. This regression equation shows that the wear rate decreases with increasing V content because of the growth of spheroidal VC carbide amount. Cr influences the overall response in a complex manner both by reducing the wear rate owing to eutectic carbides (M₇C₃) and by increasing the wear rate though stabilizing austenite to deformation-induced martensite transformation. This transformation is recognized as an important factor in increasing the abrasive response of the alloys. By analyzing the regression equation, the optimal content ranges are found to be 7.5wt%–10.0wt% for V and 2.5wt%–4.5wt% for Cr, which corresponds to the alloys containing 9vol%–15vol% spheroidal VC carbides, 8vol%–16vol% M₇C₃, and a metastable austenite/martensite matrix. The wear resistance is 1.9–2.3 times that of the traditional 12wt% V–13wt% Mn spheroidal carbide cast iron.     

Effect of initial microstructure on austenite formation kinetics in high-strength experimental microalloyed steels

Austenite formation kinetics in two high-strength experimental microalloyed steels with different initial microstructures compris-ing bainite–martensite and ferrite–martensite/austenite microconstituents was studied during continuous heating by dilatometric analysis. Austenite formation occurred in two steps:(1) carbide dissolution and precipitation and (2) transformation of residual ferrite to austenite. Di-latometric analysis was used to determine the critical temperatures of austenite formation and continuous heating transformation diagrams for heating rates ranging from 0.03°C×s?1 to 0.67°C×s?1. The austenite volume fraction was fitted using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov equation to determine the kinetic parameters k and n as functions of the heating rate. Both n and k parameters increased with increasing heat-ing rate, which suggests an increase in the nucleation and growth rates of austenite. The activation energy of austenite formation was deter-mined by the Kissinger method. Two activation energies were associated with each of the two austenite formation steps. In the first step, the austenite growth rate was controlled by carbon diffusion from carbide dissolution and precipitation;in the second step, it was controlled by the dissolution of residual ferrite to austenite.     

Effect of lower bainite/martensite/retained austenite triplex microstructure on the mechanical properties of a low-carbon steel with quenching and partitioning process

We present a study concerning Fe–0.176C–1.31Si–1.58Mn–0.26Al–0.3Cr (wt%) steel subjected to a quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process. The results of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and tensile tests demonstrate that the microstructures primarily consist of lath martensite, retained austenite, lower bainite (LB), and a small amount of tempered martensite; moreover, few twin austenite grains were observed. In the microstructure, three types of retained austenite with different sizes and morphologies were observed: blocky retained austenite (~300 nm in width), film-like retained austenite (80–120 nm in width), and ultra- fine film-like retained austenite (30–40 nm in width). Because of the effect of the retained austenite/martensite/LB triplex microstructure, the specimens prepared using different quenching temperatures exhibit high ultimate tensile strength and yield strength. Furthermore, the strength effect of LB can partially counteract the decreasing strength effect of martensite. The formation of LB substantially reduces the amount of retained austenite. Analyses of the retained austenite and the amount of blocky retained austenite indicated that the carbon content is critical to the total elongation of Q&P steel.     

Influence of Re-Ti modification on the high impact wear resistance of high Si bainitic cast steel

The effect of rare earth (Re) and titanium (Ti) multi-modification on the impact wear behavior of Mn-B high-Si bainitic cast steel was investigated systematically. The experiments show that the impact wear resistance can be improved greatly with the addition of Re and Ti. Its wear loss is only about 1/3-1/2 as large as that of the unmodified bainitic cast steel. By the Re/Ti modification, coarse dendrite grains and bainitic/martensite duplex structure have been refined effectively, and the impact toughness of the bainitic cast steel is nearly tripled (10 mm×10 mm×55 mm, with unnotched sample). Consequently, the modified bainitic cast steel possesses good wear resistance under high impact. For both modified and unmodified bainitic cast steels, high hardness white layer and deformed zone are developed beneath the worn surface under the high impact wear, but the formation and propagation of cracks are different for these bainitic casting steels. Different models for the formation and propagation of cracks for both modified and unmodified bainitic cast steels under high impact wear are proposed.     

Corrosion behavior of tempered dual-phase steel embedded in concrete

Dual-phase (DP) steels with different martensite contents were obtained by appropriate heat treatment of an SAE1010 structural carbon steel, which was cheap and widely used in the construction industry. The corrosion behavior of DP steels in concrete was investigated under various tempering conditions. Intercritical annealing heat treatment was applied to the reinforcing steel to obtain DP steels with different contents of martensite. These DP steels were tempered at 200, 300, and 400℃ for 45 min and then cooled to room temperature. Corrosion experiments were conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the corrosion potential of DP steels embedded in concrete was measured every day for a period of 30 d based on the ASTM C 876 standard. In the second stage, the anodic and cathodic polarization values of these steels were obtained and subsequently the corrosion currents were determined with the aid of cathodic polarization curves. It was observed that the amount of second phase had a definite effect on the corrosion behavior of the DP steel embedded in concrete. As a result of this study, it is found that the corrosion rate of the DP steel increases with an increase in the amount of martensite.     

Influence of oxide scales on the corrosion behaviors of B510L hot-rolled steel strips

The influence of oxide scales on the corrosion behaviors of B510L hot-rolled steel strips was investigated in this study. Focused ion beams and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the morphologies of oxide scales on the surface and cross sections of the hot-rolled steel. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used for the phase analysis of the oxide scales and corrosion products. The corrosion potential and impedance were measured by anodic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. According to the results, oxide scales on the hot-rolled strips mainly comprise iron and iron oxides. The correlation between mass gain and test time follows a power exponential rule in the damp-heat test. The corrosion products are found to be mainly composed of γ-FeOOH, Fe₃O₄, α-FeOOH, and γ-Fe₂O₃. The contents of the corrosion products are different on the surfaces of the steels with and without oxide scales. The steel with oxide scales is found to show a higher corrosion resistance and lower corrosion rate.     

Pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion behaviors of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels

Pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion behaviors of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels (HNSS) were investigated by electrochemical and immersion testing methods in chloride solution, respectively. The chemical constitution and composition in the depth of passive films formed on HNSS were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). HNSS has excellent pitting and crevice corrosion resistance compared to 316L stainless steel. With increasing the nitrogen content in steels, pitting potentials and critical pitting temperature (CPT) increase, and the maximum, average pit depths and average weight loss decrease. The CPT of HNSS is correlated with the alloying element content through the measure of alloying for resistance to corrosion (MARC). The MARC can be expressed as an equation of CPT=2.55MARC-29. XPS results show that HNSS exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance is attributed to the enrichment of nitrogen on the surface of passive films, which forms ammonium ions increasing the local pH value and facilitating repassivation, and the synergistic effects of molybdenum and nitrogen.     

Crystallographic similarity between the lath martensite and lower bainite in medium-carbon alloy steels

Progress in the crystallography of lath martensitic and lower bainitic transformations is briefly reviewed, followed by a presentation of the experimentally measured crystallographic characteristics of both lath martensite and lower bainite formed in mediumcarbon steels containing Si, Mn and Mo. It is found that the bainite plates relate to each other by a relative rotation of 54.7°or 60°about the normal to their common close-packed planes {110} b, which ensures a pseudo- {112}b twin relationship between two adjacent plates,and that all bainite variants formed in a single packet keep a unique G-T orientation relationship with the austenite matrix. These two types of OR of lower bainite are similar to that of the lath martensite, respectively. Furthermore, the measured habit planes of both the lower bainite and lath martensite are all {335} f type, which can verify the crystallographic similarity between the lath martensite and lower bainite.