The wear resistances of austempered ductile iron （ADI） were improved through intxoduction of a new phase （carbide） into the ma- txix by addition of chromium. In the present investigation, low-caxbon-equivalent duc...The wear resistances of austempered ductile iron （ADI） were improved through intxoduction of a new phase （carbide） into the ma- txix by addition of chromium. In the present investigation, low-caxbon-equivalent ductile iron （LCEDI） （CE = 3.06%, and CE represents cax- bon-equivalent） with 2.42% chromium was selected. LCEDI was austeintized at two difl＇erent temperatures （900 and 975~C） a^ld soaked for 1 h and then quenched in a salt bath at 325~C for 0 to 10 h. Samples were analyzed using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Wear tests were carded out on a pin-on-disk-type machine. The efl＇ect of austenization temperature on the wear resistance, impact strength, and the mi- crostructure was evaluated. A stxucture-property correlation based on the observations is established.展开更多
The influences of nitrogen content and austenitization temperature on Nb（C, N） precipitation in niobium micro-alloyed steels were studied by different methods： optical microscopy, tensile tests, scanning electron m...The influences of nitrogen content and austenitization temperature on Nb（C, N） precipitation in niobium micro-alloyed steels were studied by different methods： optical microscopy, tensile tests, scanning electron mi- croscopy, transmission electron microscopy, physicochemical phase analysis, and small-angle X-ray scattering. The results show that the strength of the steel with high nitrogen content is slightly higher than that of the steel with low nitrogen content. The increase in the nitrogen content does not result in the increase in the amount of Nb（C,N） precipitates, which mainly depends on the niobium content in the steel. The mass fraction of small-sized Nb（C, N） precipitates （1--10 nm） in the steel with high nitrogen content is less than that in the steel with low nitrogen con- tent. After austenitized at 1 150 ℃, a number of large cuboidal and needle-shaped particles are detected in the steel with high nitrogen content, whereas they dissolve after austenitized at 1 200 ℃ and the Nb（C,N） precipitates become finer in both steels. Furthermore, the results also show that part of the nitrogen in steel involves the formation of al- loyed cementite.展开更多
In this paper, the austenitization and homogenization process of Q235 plain carbon steel during reheating is predicted using a two-dimensional model which has been developed for the prediction of diffusive phase trans...In this paper, the austenitization and homogenization process of Q235 plain carbon steel during reheating is predicted using a two-dimensional model which has been developed for the prediction of diffusive phase transformation (e.g. α to γ). The diffusion equations are solved within each phase (α and γ) and an explicit finite volume technique formulated for a regular hexagonal grid are used. The discrete interface is represented by special volume elements α/γ, an volume element a undergoes a transition to an interface state before it becomes γ. The procedure allows us to handle the displacement of the interface while respecting the flux condition at the interface. The simulated microstructure shows the dissolution of ferrite particles in the austenite matrix is presented at different stages of the phase transformation. Specifically, the influence of the microstructure scale and the heating rate on the phase transformation kinetics has been investigated. The experimental results agree well with the simulated ones.展开更多
In order to investigate the carbide dissolution mechanism of high carbon-chromium bearing steel during the intercritical austenitization, the database of TCFE7 of Thermo-calc and MOBFE of DICTRA software were used to ...In order to investigate the carbide dissolution mechanism of high carbon-chromium bearing steel during the intercritical austenitization, the database of TCFE7 of Thermo-calc and MOBFE of DICTRA software were used to calculate the elements diffusion kinetic and the evolution law of volume fraction of carbide. DIL805 A dilatometer was used to simulate the intercritical heat treatment. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, and the micro-hardness was tested. The experimental results indicate that the dissolution of carbide is composed of two stages： initial austenite growth governed by carbon diffusion which sharply moves up the micro-hardness of quenched martensite, and subsequent growth controlled by diffusion of Cr elements in M3 C. The volume fraction of M3 C decreases with the increasing holding time, and the metallographic analysis shows a great agreement with values calculated by software.展开更多
The austenitization behaviors of two high niohium-containing X80 pipeline steels with different titanium contents, including the dissolution of microalloying precipitates and the austenite grain growth, were investiga...The austenitization behaviors of two high niohium-containing X80 pipeline steels with different titanium contents, including the dissolution of microalloying precipitates and the austenite grain growth, were investigated by using physical-chemical phase analysis method and microstructural observation. The results illustrated that most niobium could be dissolved into austenite during soaking at 1 180 ℃, whereas little amount of titanium could be dissolved. It was found that during soaking, the austenite grain growth rate was initially high, and then decreased after soaking for 1 h; moreover, the austenite grains grew up more rapidly at temperatures above 1 180 ℃ than below 1 180 ℃. The results show that the steel with titanium content of 0. 016% has a larger austenite grain size than that with titanium content of 0. 012% under the same soaking conditions, which is explained by considering the particle size distribution.展开更多
A modified cellular automaton model is developed to depict the interface evolution inside the cementite plus ferrite lamellar microstructures during the reaustenitization of a pearlite steel. In this model, migrations...A modified cellular automaton model is developed to depict the interface evolution inside the cementite plus ferrite lamellar microstructures during the reaustenitization of a pearlite steel. In this model, migrations of both the austenite- ferrite and austenite-cementite interfaces coupled with the carbon diffusion and redistribution are integrated. The capil- laxity effect derived from local interface curvatures is also carefully considered by involving the concentration given by the phase diagram modified by the Gibbs-Thomson effect. This allows the interface evolution from a transient state to a steady state under different annealing conditions and various interlamellar spacings to be simulated. The proposed cellular automaton approach could be readily used to describe the kinetics of austenite formation from the lamellar pearlites and virtually reveal the kinematics of the moving interfaces from the microstructural aspect.展开更多
The effect of austenitization heat treatment on magnetic properties was examined by means of M6ssbauer spectroscopy on an Fe-40wt%Ni-2wt%Mn alloy. The morphology of the alloy was obtained by using scanning electron mi...The effect of austenitization heat treatment on magnetic properties was examined by means of M6ssbauer spectroscopy on an Fe-40wt%Ni-2wt%Mn alloy. The morphology of the alloy was obtained by using scanning electron microscopy （SEM） under different heat treatment conditions. The magnetic behavior of the non heat-treated alloy is ferromagnetic. A mixed magnetic structure including both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic states was obtained at 800℃ after 6 and 12 h heat treatments. In addition, the magnetic structure of the heat-treated alloy at 1150~C for 12 h was ferromagnetic. With the volume fraction changing, the effective hyperfine field of the ferromagnetic austenite phase and isomery shift values were also determined by Mtssbauer spectroscopy.展开更多
The strength-ductility trade-off in low-Mn lightweight steels is a significant challenge due to the low thermal stability of austenite and the presence ofδ-ferrite.Two types of low-Mn lightweight steels containing V ...The strength-ductility trade-off in low-Mn lightweight steels is a significant challenge due to the low thermal stability of austenite and the presence ofδ-ferrite.Two types of low-Mn lightweight steels containing V and NbVMo microalloying elements were developed by warm rolling.Among these,NbVMo steel demonstrated superior properties,achieving a tensile strength of~1.2 GPa and a product of strength and elongation exceeding 45 GPa%.In-depth mechanism analysis by atom probe tomography and quasi-in-situ electron backscatter diffraction revealed that different microalloying compositions influence the mechanical properties by strengtheningδ-ferrite,refining retained austenite and homogenizing matrix strain.In NbVMo steel,δ-ferrite strengthening is attributed to the synergistic effects of(V,Mo,Cr,Nb)C composite precipitation,fine NbC and MoC precipitates,and the solid solution strengthening of Mo.These mechanisms collectively contribute to a higher yield strength andδ-ferrite microhardness compared to V steel.Consequently,δ-ferrite and the surrounding matrix in NbVMo steel exhibit coordinated elongation during deformation,enhancing the ductility.The improved microstructural and strain uniformity in NbVMo steel mitigates stress concentration effects onδ-ferrite deformation and serves as a barrier that delays the transformation of retained austenite.In contrast,the retained austenite in V steel exhibits a blocky morphology with larger grain sizes,resulting in lower stability.Combined with localized stress concentrations due to non-uniform strain distribution,this leads to premature transformation of retained austenite to alleviate stress,ultimately impairing elongation and the continuity of strain hardening.Furthermore,the precipitation mechanisms of(V,Mo,Cr,Nb)C composite precipitates are elucidated.展开更多
Micropillar compression tests were used to investigate the influence of hydrogen on the deformation behavior and hydrogen embrittlement(HE)of nitrogen-alloyed austenitic stainless steel QN_(2)109.Results indicate that...Micropillar compression tests were used to investigate the influence of hydrogen on the deformation behavior and hydrogen embrittlement(HE)of nitrogen-alloyed austenitic stainless steel QN_(2)109.Results indicate that the hydrogen increases the dislocation density,reduces the yield stress,and accelerates the formation and intersection of slip bands,with hydrogen-induced cracks initiating at slip band intersections.X-ray diffraction confirms the absence of martensitic transformation,ruling out the role of martensitic transformation in HE.The micropillar compression technique is highly sensitive for characterizing hydrogen-material interactions,owing to the material’s low hydrogen diffusivity and the small size of its hydrogen-affected zone.These findings align with the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity mechanism.展开更多
Effects of alloying elements Ni,Co,Mn,Cr,and H on the stacking fault energy(SFE)ofγ-Fe and its microscopic mechanisms were systematically investigated.Generalized SFE calculations show that individual alloying elemen...Effects of alloying elements Ni,Co,Mn,Cr,and H on the stacking fault energy(SFE)ofγ-Fe and its microscopic mechanisms were systematically investigated.Generalized SFE calculations show that individual alloying elements Ni,Co,and H increase SFE ofγ-Fe,whereas Mn and Cr decrease SFE.The influence of alloying elements on SFE exhibits short-range characteristics.The effect of synergistic interaction of alloying elements and H on SFE was further investigated.Results show that the co-alloying of Ni/Co with H exacerbates the effect of H on the increase in SFE.In contrast,the synergistic effect of Mn/Cr with H tends to inhibit H from the increasing SFE.Finally,the electronic structure analysis elucidated the microscopic mechanism of the change in SFE.Alloying elements modulate SFE by changing the interatomic charge density at the stacking fault plane and the density of states of the stacking fault structure at the Fermi level.The present results add to the knowledge of alloying related influence on the mechanical property and hydrogen embrittlement ofγ-Fe.展开更多
The microstructural evolution of a cold-rolled and intercritical annealed medium-Mn steel(Fe-0.10C-5Mn)was investigated during uniaxial tensile testing.In-situ observations under scanning electron microscopy,transmiss...The microstructural evolution of a cold-rolled and intercritical annealed medium-Mn steel(Fe-0.10C-5Mn)was investigated during uniaxial tensile testing.In-situ observations under scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted to characterize the progressive transformation-induced plasticity process and associated fracture initiation mechanisms.These findings were discussed with the local strain measurements via digital image correlation.The results indicated that Lüders band formation in the steel was limited to 1.5%strain,which was mainly due to the early-stage martensitic phase transformation of a very small amount of the less stable large-sized retained austenite(RA),which led to localized stress concentrations and strain hardening and further retardation of yielding.The small-sized RA exhibited high stability and progressively transformed into martensite and contributed to a stably extended Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.The volume fraction of RA gradually decreased from 26.8%to 8.2%prior to fracture.In the late deformation stage,fracture initiation primarily occurred at the austenite/martensite and ferrite/martensite interfaces and the ferrite phase.展开更多
Producing steel requires large amounts of energy to convert iron ores into steel,which often comes from fossil fuels,leading to carbon emissions and other pollutants.Increasing scrap usage emerges as one of the most e...Producing steel requires large amounts of energy to convert iron ores into steel,which often comes from fossil fuels,leading to carbon emissions and other pollutants.Increasing scrap usage emerges as one of the most effective strategies for addressing these issues.However,typical residual elements(Cu,As,Sn,Sb,Bi,etc.)inherited from scrap could significantly influence the mechanical properties of steel.In this work,we investigate the effects of residual elements on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a quenching and partitioning(Q&P)steel by comparing a commercial QP1180 steel(referred to as QP)to the one containing typical residual elements(Cu+As+Sn+Sb+Bi<0.3wt%)(referred to as QP-R).The results demonstrate that in comparison with the QP steel,the residual elements significantly refine the prior austenite grain(9.7μm vs.14.6μm)due to their strong solute drag effect,leading to a higher volume fraction(13.0%vs.11.8%),a smaller size(473 nm vs.790 nm)and a higher average carbon content(1.26 wt%vs.0.99 wt%)of retained austenite in the QP-R steel.As a result,the QP-R steel exhibits a sustained transformation-induced plasticity(TRIP)effect,leading to an enhanced strain hardening effect and a simultaneous improvement of strength and ductility.Grain boundary segregation of residual elements was not observed at prior austenite grain boundaries in the QP-R steel,primarily due to continuous interface migration during austenitization.This study demonstrates that the residual elements with concentrations comparable to that in scrap result in significant microstructural refinement,causing retained austenite with relatively higher stability and thus offering promising mechanical properties and potential applications.展开更多
In 316L austenitic stainless steel,the presence of ferrite phase severely affects the non-magnetic properties.316L austenitic stainless steel with low-alloy type(L-316L)and high-alloy type(H-316L)has been studied.The ...In 316L austenitic stainless steel,the presence of ferrite phase severely affects the non-magnetic properties.316L austenitic stainless steel with low-alloy type(L-316L)and high-alloy type(H-316L)has been studied.The microstructure and solidification kinetics of the two as-cast grades were in situ observed by high temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy(HT-CLSM).There are significant differences in the as-cast microstructures of the two 316L stainless steel compositions.In L-316L steel,ferrite morphology appears as the short rods with a ferrite content of 6.98%,forming a dual-phase microstructure consisting of austenite and ferrite.Conversely,in H-316L steel,the ferrite appears as discontinuous network structures with a content of 4.41%,forming a microstructure composed of austenite and sigma(σ)phase.The alloying elements in H-316L steel exhibit a complex distribution,with Ni and Mo enriching at the austenite grain boundaries.HT-CLSM experiments provide the real-time observation of the solidification processes of both 316L specimens and reveal distinct solidification modes:L-316L steel solidifies in an FA mode,whereas H-316L steel solidifies in an AF mode.These differences result in ferrite and austenite predominantly serving as the nucleation and growth phases,respectively.The solidification mode observed by experiments is similar to the thermodynamic calculation results.The L-316L steel solidified in the FA mode and showed minimal element segregation,which lead to a direct transformation of ferrite to austenite phase(δ→γ)during phase transformation after solidification.Besides,the H-316L steel solidified in the AF mode and showed severe element segregation,which lead to Mo enrichment at grain boundaries and transformation of ferrite into sigma and austenite phases through the eutectoid reaction(δ→σ+γ).展开更多
A cyclic quenching treatment(CQT)succeeded in turning a 2.3 GPa maraging steel with a Charpy impact energy of 9 J into a new grade with the same strength but a Charpy impact energy of 20 J upon 4 cyclic treatments.The...A cyclic quenching treatment(CQT)succeeded in turning a 2.3 GPa maraging steel with a Charpy impact energy of 9 J into a new grade with the same strength but a Charpy impact energy of 20 J upon 4 cyclic treatments.The improvement of mechanical properties is attributed to the refinement and increased chemical heterogeneity of the martensitic substructure,rather than the refinement of prior austenite grain(PAG),as well as the Transformation-Induced Plasticity(TRIP)effect facilitated by small austenite grains.The role of local segregation of Ni during CQT in the formation of Ni-rich austenite grains,Ni-rich martensite laths and Ni-poor martensite laths,was investigated and verified by DICTRA simulations.This study highlights the important influence of Ni partitioning behavior during CQT,providing insights into microstructural evolution and mechanical properties.展开更多
The austenite(γ)reversely transformed from lath martensite(LM),lath bainite(LB),granular bainite(GB)and pearlite+ferrite(P+F)in a high-strength steel was studied at high temperatures using in-situ electron backscatte...The austenite(γ)reversely transformed from lath martensite(LM),lath bainite(LB),granular bainite(GB)and pearlite+ferrite(P+F)in a high-strength steel was studied at high temperatures using in-situ electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD).The memory effect of initial γ significantly affects the nucleation of the reverted γ in LM and GB structures,while a weak influence on that of LB and P+F structures.This results in a significant difference in γ grain size after complete austenitization,with the first two obtaining larger γ grains while the latter two are relatively small.Crystallographic analysis revealed that the reverted γ with acicular morphology(γA),most of which maintained the same orientation with the prior γ,dominated the reaustenitization behavior of LM and GB structures through preferential nucleation within γ grains and coalesced growth modes.Although globular reverted γ(γ_(G))with random orientation or large deviation from the prior γ can nucleate at the grain boundaries or within the grains,it is difficult for it to grow and play a role in segmenting and refining the prior γ due to the inhibition of γ_(A) coalescing.For LB and P+F structures,the nucleation rate of intragranular γ_(G) increases with increasing temperature,and always shows a random orientation.These γ_(G) grains can coarsen simultaneously with the intergranular γ_(G),ultimately playing a role in jointly dividing and refining the finalγgrains.Research also found that the differences in the effects of four different microstructures on revertedγnucleation are closely related to the variant selection of the matrix structure,as well as the content and size of cementite(θ).High density of block boundaries induced by weakening of variant selection and many fineθformed in the lath are the key to promoting LB structure to obtain more intragranular γ_(G) formation,as well as the important role of the large-sized θ in P+F structure.展开更多
The addition of vanadium substantially enhances the strength of the high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel(HNASS),while maintaining excellent ductility and pitting corrosion resistance.The effects of vanadium microa...The addition of vanadium substantially enhances the strength of the high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel(HNASS),while maintaining excellent ductility and pitting corrosion resistance.The effects of vanadium microalloying on the microstructure,mechanical properties,and pitting resistance of HNASS were systematically analyzed with a focus on the role of VN during the pitting process.The results suggest that vanadium promoted the precipitation of VN,contributing to grain boundary pinning and grain refinement.As vanadium content increased,the number of precipitates rose,and the average grain size decreased.At lower vanadium content(0-0.2 wt.%),the strength of the material was significantly reinforced with increasing vanadium content,while maintaining excellent ductility and pitting resistance.However,when the vanadium content reached 0.3-0.4 wt.%,precipitates demonstrated a substantially increased number and coarsened,accompanied by the formation of numerous dislocations around the precipitates.This brought about further strength reinforcement but a marked decline in ductility and pitting resistance.Additionally,pitting corrosion was initiated at the matrix-VN interface.Compared to the matrix,VN exhibited higher reactivity and preferentially reacted with Cl−ions,provoking dissolution.However,NH4+generated during the dissolution of VN facilitated repassivation of the material,suppressing further pitting propagation.展开更多
Austenitic stainless steel(ASS)is a common material used in high-pressure hydrogen systems.Prolonged exposure to high-pressure hydrogen can cause hydrogen embrittlement(HE),raising significant safety concerns.Selectiv...Austenitic stainless steel(ASS)is a common material used in high-pressure hydrogen systems.Prolonged exposure to high-pressure hydrogen can cause hydrogen embrittlement(HE),raising significant safety concerns.Selective Laser Melting(SLM),known for its high precision,is a promising additive manufacturing technology that has been widely adopted across various industries.Studies have reported that under certain SLM manufacturing conditions and process parameters,the HE resistance of SLM ASS is significantly better than that of conventionally manufactured(CM)ASS,showing great potential for application in high-pressure hydrogen systems.Thus,studying the HE of SLM ASS is crucial for further improving the safety of high-pressure hydrogen systems.This paper provides an overview of the SLM process,reviews the mechanisms of HE and their synergistic effects,and analyzes the HE characteristics of SLM ASS.Additionally,it examines the influence of unique microstructures and SLM process variables on HE of SLM ASS and offers recommendations for future research to enhance the safety of high-pressure hydrogen systems.展开更多
This study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructure of SS304L stainless steel(SS)fabricated via laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)under controlled oxygen levels(0.2%)at both room and cryogenic temperatures...This study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructure of SS304L stainless steel(SS)fabricated via laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)under controlled oxygen levels(0.2%)at both room and cryogenic temperatures(77 K and 4 K).Experimental results show that the LPBF SS304L exhibits significant improvements in yield strength(YS),with an increase of∼336 MPa at room temperature and up to∼398 MPa at 4 K compared to wrought SS304L.Additionally,the current LPBF SS304L demonstrates an extra∼64 MPa YS strengthening over previous LPBF SS304L data at room temperature.These strength enhancements are primarily attributed to oxide dispersion hardening,promoted by the controlled oxygen level,alongside grain boundary strengthening and dislocation hardening,without significant ductility loss.Furthermore,strain-induced martensitic transformation(SIMT)was absent at room temperature and reduced at cryogenic temperatures compared to wrought SS304L,likely due to high dislocation density and nitrogen-stabilized austenite.A jerk flow observed at 4 K is attributed to adiabatic heating from plastic deformation,consistent with the low thermal conductivity.Finite element simulations reveal a short residence time(0.0137 s)for molten material during the LPBF process,with oxide particles forming predominantly through heterogeneous nucleation at the melt pool surface,and uniformly distributed by Marangoni convection.These findings provide key insights into developing LPBF parameters for enhanced mechanical performance of SS304L for cryogenic and ambient temperature applications.展开更多
Multistage heat treatment involving quenching(Q),lamellarizing(L),and tempering(T)is applied to marine 10Ni5CrMoV steel.The microstructure and mechanical properties were studied by multiscale characterizations,and the...Multistage heat treatment involving quenching(Q),lamellarizing(L),and tempering(T)is applied to marine 10Ni5CrMoV steel.The microstructure and mechanical properties were studied by multiscale characterizations,and the kinetics of reverse austenite transformation,strain hardening behavior,and toughening mechanism were further investigated.The lamellarized specimens possess low yield strength but high toughness,especially cryogenic toughness.Lamellarization leads to the development of film-like reversed austenite at the martensite block and lath boundaries,refining the martensite structure and lowering the equivalent grain size.Kinetic analysis of austenite reversion based on the JMAK model shows that the isothermal transformation is dominated by the growth of reversed austenite,and the maximum transformation of reversed austenite is reached at the peak temperature(750℃).The strain hardening behavior based on the modified Crussard-Jaoul analysis indicates that the reversed austenite obtained from lamellarization reduces the proportion of martensite,significantly hindering crack propagation via martensitic transformation during the deformation.As a consequence,the QLT specimens exhibit high machinability and low yield strength.Compared with the QT specimen,the ductile-brittle transition temperature of the QLT specimens decreases from-116 to-130℃due to the low equivalent grain size and reversed austenite,which increases the cleavage force required for crack propagation and absorbs the energy of external load,respectively.This work provides an idea to improve the cryogenic toughness of marine 10Ni5CrMoV steel and lays a theoretical foundation for its industrial application and comprehensive performance improvement.展开更多
In the present study,a simple but effective two-step annealing processing strategy via manipulating the austenite reversion path is proposed to obtain a large fraction of retained austenite in low-Mn medium-Mn steels....In the present study,a simple but effective two-step annealing processing strategy via manipulating the austenite reversion path is proposed to obtain a large fraction of retained austenite in low-Mn medium-Mn steels.Initially,the Fe-3Mn-0.2C-1.5Si(wt%)steel is intercritically annealed to form Mn-enriched lamellar martensite precursors.Subsequently,the austenite reversion transformation is manipulated to occur within the martensite lamellae during the second annealing process,resulting in an ultra-fine duplex microstructure of laminated austenite and ferrite.This process can not only allow a large fraction of austenite to be retained in low-Mn medium-Mn steels,but also increase the elongation by up to 41%without sacrificing the strength level compared to the conventional annealing.展开更多
文摘The wear resistances of austempered ductile iron （ADI） were improved through intxoduction of a new phase （carbide） into the ma- txix by addition of chromium. In the present investigation, low-caxbon-equivalent ductile iron （LCEDI） （CE = 3.06%, and CE represents cax- bon-equivalent） with 2.42% chromium was selected. LCEDI was austeintized at two difl＇erent temperatures （900 and 975~C） a^ld soaked for 1 h and then quenched in a salt bath at 325~C for 0 to 10 h. Samples were analyzed using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Wear tests were carded out on a pin-on-disk-type machine. The efl＇ect of austenization temperature on the wear resistance, impact strength, and the mi- crostructure was evaluated. A stxucture-property correlation based on the observations is established.
基金Item Sponsored by the CITIC-CBMM Niobium Steel Research and Development Program of China(2013-D065)
文摘The influences of nitrogen content and austenitization temperature on Nb（C, N） precipitation in niobium micro-alloyed steels were studied by different methods： optical microscopy, tensile tests, scanning electron mi- croscopy, transmission electron microscopy, physicochemical phase analysis, and small-angle X-ray scattering. The results show that the strength of the steel with high nitrogen content is slightly higher than that of the steel with low nitrogen content. The increase in the nitrogen content does not result in the increase in the amount of Nb（C,N） precipitates, which mainly depends on the niobium content in the steel. The mass fraction of small-sized Nb（C, N） precipitates （1--10 nm） in the steel with high nitrogen content is less than that in the steel with low nitrogen con- tent. After austenitized at 1 150 ℃, a number of large cuboidal and needle-shaped particles are detected in the steel with high nitrogen content, whereas they dissolve after austenitized at 1 200 ℃ and the Nb（C,N） precipitates become finer in both steels. Furthermore, the results also show that part of the nitrogen in steel involves the formation of al- loyed cementite.
基金The finiancial support of the National 973 Super-Steel Iterne1998061512 is greatly acknowledged.
文摘In this paper, the austenitization and homogenization process of Q235 plain carbon steel during reheating is predicted using a two-dimensional model which has been developed for the prediction of diffusive phase transformation (e.g. α to γ). The diffusion equations are solved within each phase (α and γ) and an explicit finite volume technique formulated for a regular hexagonal grid are used. The discrete interface is represented by special volume elements α/γ, an volume element a undergoes a transition to an interface state before it becomes γ. The procedure allows us to handle the displacement of the interface while respecting the flux condition at the interface. The simulated microstructure shows the dissolution of ferrite particles in the austenite matrix is presented at different stages of the phase transformation. Specifically, the influence of the microstructure scale and the heating rate on the phase transformation kinetics has been investigated. The experimental results agree well with the simulated ones.
基金Funded by the National High-tech Research and Development Program of China(863 Program)
文摘In order to investigate the carbide dissolution mechanism of high carbon-chromium bearing steel during the intercritical austenitization, the database of TCFE7 of Thermo-calc and MOBFE of DICTRA software were used to calculate the elements diffusion kinetic and the evolution law of volume fraction of carbide. DIL805 A dilatometer was used to simulate the intercritical heat treatment. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, and the micro-hardness was tested. The experimental results indicate that the dissolution of carbide is composed of two stages： initial austenite growth governed by carbon diffusion which sharply moves up the micro-hardness of quenched martensite, and subsequent growth controlled by diffusion of Cr elements in M3 C. The volume fraction of M3 C decreases with the increasing holding time, and the metallographic analysis shows a great agreement with values calculated by software.
基金Item Sponsored by National Key Technologies Research and Development Program of China(2006BAE03A15)
文摘The austenitization behaviors of two high niohium-containing X80 pipeline steels with different titanium contents, including the dissolution of microalloying precipitates and the austenite grain growth, were investigated by using physical-chemical phase analysis method and microstructural observation. The results illustrated that most niobium could be dissolved into austenite during soaking at 1 180 ℃, whereas little amount of titanium could be dissolved. It was found that during soaking, the austenite grain growth rate was initially high, and then decreased after soaking for 1 h; moreover, the austenite grains grew up more rapidly at temperatures above 1 180 ℃ than below 1 180 ℃. The results show that the steel with titanium content of 0. 016% has a larger austenite grain size than that with titanium content of 0. 012% under the same soaking conditions, which is explained by considering the particle size distribution.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51371169 and 51401214)
文摘A modified cellular automaton model is developed to depict the interface evolution inside the cementite plus ferrite lamellar microstructures during the reaustenitization of a pearlite steel. In this model, migrations of both the austenite- ferrite and austenite-cementite interfaces coupled with the carbon diffusion and redistribution are integrated. The capil- laxity effect derived from local interface curvatures is also carefully considered by involving the concentration given by the phase diagram modified by the Gibbs-Thomson effect. This allows the interface evolution from a transient state to a steady state under different annealing conditions and various interlamellar spacings to be simulated. The proposed cellular automaton approach could be readily used to describe the kinetics of austenite formation from the lamellar pearlites and virtually reveal the kinematics of the moving interfaces from the microstructural aspect.
文摘The effect of austenitization heat treatment on magnetic properties was examined by means of M6ssbauer spectroscopy on an Fe-40wt%Ni-2wt%Mn alloy. The morphology of the alloy was obtained by using scanning electron microscopy （SEM） under different heat treatment conditions. The magnetic behavior of the non heat-treated alloy is ferromagnetic. A mixed magnetic structure including both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic states was obtained at 800℃ after 6 and 12 h heat treatments. In addition, the magnetic structure of the heat-treated alloy at 1150~C for 12 h was ferromagnetic. With the volume fraction changing, the effective hyperfine field of the ferromagnetic austenite phase and isomery shift values were also determined by Mtssbauer spectroscopy.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.FRF-BD-25-001)Development and Application of Ultra-High Strength Hot Stamping Steel Strip for Automobiles(Grant No.20232BCJ22030)Manufacturing and Application Innovation and Integration of High-Safety Automotive Steel(Grant No.24431002D).
文摘The strength-ductility trade-off in low-Mn lightweight steels is a significant challenge due to the low thermal stability of austenite and the presence ofδ-ferrite.Two types of low-Mn lightweight steels containing V and NbVMo microalloying elements were developed by warm rolling.Among these,NbVMo steel demonstrated superior properties,achieving a tensile strength of~1.2 GPa and a product of strength and elongation exceeding 45 GPa%.In-depth mechanism analysis by atom probe tomography and quasi-in-situ electron backscatter diffraction revealed that different microalloying compositions influence the mechanical properties by strengtheningδ-ferrite,refining retained austenite and homogenizing matrix strain.In NbVMo steel,δ-ferrite strengthening is attributed to the synergistic effects of(V,Mo,Cr,Nb)C composite precipitation,fine NbC and MoC precipitates,and the solid solution strengthening of Mo.These mechanisms collectively contribute to a higher yield strength andδ-ferrite microhardness compared to V steel.Consequently,δ-ferrite and the surrounding matrix in NbVMo steel exhibit coordinated elongation during deformation,enhancing the ductility.The improved microstructural and strain uniformity in NbVMo steel mitigates stress concentration effects onδ-ferrite deformation and serves as a barrier that delays the transformation of retained austenite.In contrast,the retained austenite in V steel exhibits a blocky morphology with larger grain sizes,resulting in lower stability.Combined with localized stress concentrations due to non-uniform strain distribution,this leads to premature transformation of retained austenite to alleviate stress,ultimately impairing elongation and the continuity of strain hardening.Furthermore,the precipitation mechanisms of(V,Mo,Cr,Nb)C composite precipitates are elucidated.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U24A20105 and 52071209)the Major Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of CITIC Group(Grant No.2022ZXKYA06100,with Hongzhou Lu as the principal grant recipient)the Program of Shanghai Academic and Technology Research Leader(Grant No.18XD1402200).
文摘Micropillar compression tests were used to investigate the influence of hydrogen on the deformation behavior and hydrogen embrittlement(HE)of nitrogen-alloyed austenitic stainless steel QN_(2)109.Results indicate that the hydrogen increases the dislocation density,reduces the yield stress,and accelerates the formation and intersection of slip bands,with hydrogen-induced cracks initiating at slip band intersections.X-ray diffraction confirms the absence of martensitic transformation,ruling out the role of martensitic transformation in HE.The micropillar compression technique is highly sensitive for characterizing hydrogen-material interactions,owing to the material’s low hydrogen diffusivity and the small size of its hydrogen-affected zone.These findings align with the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity mechanism.
基金supported by National Science and Technology Major Project(2025ZD0618901)National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2241245 and 52321001)+2 种基金Aeronautical Science Foundation of China(2022Z053092001)Natural Science Foundation of Shenyang(23-503-6-05)Science and Technology Major Project of Liaoning Province(2024JH1/11700028).
文摘Effects of alloying elements Ni,Co,Mn,Cr,and H on the stacking fault energy(SFE)ofγ-Fe and its microscopic mechanisms were systematically investigated.Generalized SFE calculations show that individual alloying elements Ni,Co,and H increase SFE ofγ-Fe,whereas Mn and Cr decrease SFE.The influence of alloying elements on SFE exhibits short-range characteristics.The effect of synergistic interaction of alloying elements and H on SFE was further investigated.Results show that the co-alloying of Ni/Co with H exacerbates the effect of H on the increase in SFE.In contrast,the synergistic effect of Mn/Cr with H tends to inhibit H from the increasing SFE.Finally,the electronic structure analysis elucidated the microscopic mechanism of the change in SFE.Alloying elements modulate SFE by changing the interatomic charge density at the stacking fault plane and the density of states of the stacking fault structure at the Fermi level.The present results add to the knowledge of alloying related influence on the mechanical property and hydrogen embrittlement ofγ-Fe.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2017YFB0304402)。
文摘The microstructural evolution of a cold-rolled and intercritical annealed medium-Mn steel(Fe-0.10C-5Mn)was investigated during uniaxial tensile testing.In-situ observations under scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted to characterize the progressive transformation-induced plasticity process and associated fracture initiation mechanisms.These findings were discussed with the local strain measurements via digital image correlation.The results indicated that Lüders band formation in the steel was limited to 1.5%strain,which was mainly due to the early-stage martensitic phase transformation of a very small amount of the less stable large-sized retained austenite(RA),which led to localized stress concentrations and strain hardening and further retardation of yielding.The small-sized RA exhibited high stability and progressively transformed into martensite and contributed to a stably extended Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.The volume fraction of RA gradually decreased from 26.8%to 8.2%prior to fracture.In the late deformation stage,fracture initiation primarily occurred at the austenite/martensite and ferrite/martensite interfaces and the ferrite phase.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52293395 and 52293393)the Xiongan Science and Technology Innovation Talent Project of MOST,China(No.2022XACX0500).
文摘Producing steel requires large amounts of energy to convert iron ores into steel,which often comes from fossil fuels,leading to carbon emissions and other pollutants.Increasing scrap usage emerges as one of the most effective strategies for addressing these issues.However,typical residual elements(Cu,As,Sn,Sb,Bi,etc.)inherited from scrap could significantly influence the mechanical properties of steel.In this work,we investigate the effects of residual elements on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a quenching and partitioning(Q&P)steel by comparing a commercial QP1180 steel(referred to as QP)to the one containing typical residual elements(Cu+As+Sn+Sb+Bi<0.3wt%)(referred to as QP-R).The results demonstrate that in comparison with the QP steel,the residual elements significantly refine the prior austenite grain(9.7μm vs.14.6μm)due to their strong solute drag effect,leading to a higher volume fraction(13.0%vs.11.8%),a smaller size(473 nm vs.790 nm)and a higher average carbon content(1.26 wt%vs.0.99 wt%)of retained austenite in the QP-R steel.As a result,the QP-R steel exhibits a sustained transformation-induced plasticity(TRIP)effect,leading to an enhanced strain hardening effect and a simultaneous improvement of strength and ductility.Grain boundary segregation of residual elements was not observed at prior austenite grain boundaries in the QP-R steel,primarily due to continuous interface migration during austenitization.This study demonstrates that the residual elements with concentrations comparable to that in scrap result in significant microstructural refinement,causing retained austenite with relatively higher stability and thus offering promising mechanical properties and potential applications.
基金support of the Research Project Supported by Shanxi Scholarship Council of China(2022-040)"Chunhui Plan"Collaborative Research Project by the Ministry of Education of China(HZKY20220507)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(52104338)Applied Fundamental Research Programs of Shanxi Province(202303021221036)Shandong Postdoctoral Science Foundation(SDCX-ZG-202303027,SDBX2023054).
文摘In 316L austenitic stainless steel,the presence of ferrite phase severely affects the non-magnetic properties.316L austenitic stainless steel with low-alloy type(L-316L)and high-alloy type(H-316L)has been studied.The microstructure and solidification kinetics of the two as-cast grades were in situ observed by high temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy(HT-CLSM).There are significant differences in the as-cast microstructures of the two 316L stainless steel compositions.In L-316L steel,ferrite morphology appears as the short rods with a ferrite content of 6.98%,forming a dual-phase microstructure consisting of austenite and ferrite.Conversely,in H-316L steel,the ferrite appears as discontinuous network structures with a content of 4.41%,forming a microstructure composed of austenite and sigma(σ)phase.The alloying elements in H-316L steel exhibit a complex distribution,with Ni and Mo enriching at the austenite grain boundaries.HT-CLSM experiments provide the real-time observation of the solidification processes of both 316L specimens and reveal distinct solidification modes:L-316L steel solidifies in an FA mode,whereas H-316L steel solidifies in an AF mode.These differences result in ferrite and austenite predominantly serving as the nucleation and growth phases,respectively.The solidification mode observed by experiments is similar to the thermodynamic calculation results.The L-316L steel solidified in the FA mode and showed minimal element segregation,which lead to a direct transformation of ferrite to austenite phase(δ→γ)during phase transformation after solidification.Besides,the H-316L steel solidified in the AF mode and showed severe element segregation,which lead to Mo enrichment at grain boundaries and transformation of ferrite into sigma and austenite phases through the eutectoid reaction(δ→σ+γ).
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China(Grant Nos.52271122,52203384).
文摘A cyclic quenching treatment(CQT)succeeded in turning a 2.3 GPa maraging steel with a Charpy impact energy of 9 J into a new grade with the same strength but a Charpy impact energy of 20 J upon 4 cyclic treatments.The improvement of mechanical properties is attributed to the refinement and increased chemical heterogeneity of the martensitic substructure,rather than the refinement of prior austenite grain(PAG),as well as the Transformation-Induced Plasticity(TRIP)effect facilitated by small austenite grains.The role of local segregation of Ni during CQT in the formation of Ni-rich austenite grains,Ni-rich martensite laths and Ni-poor martensite laths,was investigated and verified by DICTRA simulations.This study highlights the important influence of Ni partitioning behavior during CQT,providing insights into microstructural evolution and mechanical properties.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52271089 and 52001023)the Basic Research and Application Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(Nos.2022A1515240016 and 2023B1515250006)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.FRF-BD-23-01).
文摘The austenite(γ)reversely transformed from lath martensite(LM),lath bainite(LB),granular bainite(GB)and pearlite+ferrite(P+F)in a high-strength steel was studied at high temperatures using in-situ electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD).The memory effect of initial γ significantly affects the nucleation of the reverted γ in LM and GB structures,while a weak influence on that of LB and P+F structures.This results in a significant difference in γ grain size after complete austenitization,with the first two obtaining larger γ grains while the latter two are relatively small.Crystallographic analysis revealed that the reverted γ with acicular morphology(γA),most of which maintained the same orientation with the prior γ,dominated the reaustenitization behavior of LM and GB structures through preferential nucleation within γ grains and coalesced growth modes.Although globular reverted γ(γ_(G))with random orientation or large deviation from the prior γ can nucleate at the grain boundaries or within the grains,it is difficult for it to grow and play a role in segmenting and refining the prior γ due to the inhibition of γ_(A) coalescing.For LB and P+F structures,the nucleation rate of intragranular γ_(G) increases with increasing temperature,and always shows a random orientation.These γ_(G) grains can coarsen simultaneously with the intergranular γ_(G),ultimately playing a role in jointly dividing and refining the finalγgrains.Research also found that the differences in the effects of four different microstructures on revertedγnucleation are closely related to the variant selection of the matrix structure,as well as the content and size of cementite(θ).High density of block boundaries induced by weakening of variant selection and many fineθformed in the lath are the key to promoting LB structure to obtain more intragranular γ_(G) formation,as well as the important role of the large-sized θ in P+F structure.
基金founded by National Natural Science Foundations of China(Nos.52231003,52201084,and U21A20113)Major Program(JD)of Hubei Province(No.2023BAA019)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2024A1515011022)Guangdong Province Basic and Applied Basic Research Fund Offshore Wind Power Joint Fund(No.2023B1515250006).
文摘The addition of vanadium substantially enhances the strength of the high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel(HNASS),while maintaining excellent ductility and pitting corrosion resistance.The effects of vanadium microalloying on the microstructure,mechanical properties,and pitting resistance of HNASS were systematically analyzed with a focus on the role of VN during the pitting process.The results suggest that vanadium promoted the precipitation of VN,contributing to grain boundary pinning and grain refinement.As vanadium content increased,the number of precipitates rose,and the average grain size decreased.At lower vanadium content(0-0.2 wt.%),the strength of the material was significantly reinforced with increasing vanadium content,while maintaining excellent ductility and pitting resistance.However,when the vanadium content reached 0.3-0.4 wt.%,precipitates demonstrated a substantially increased number and coarsened,accompanied by the formation of numerous dislocations around the precipitates.This brought about further strength reinforcement but a marked decline in ductility and pitting resistance.Additionally,pitting corrosion was initiated at the matrix-VN interface.Compared to the matrix,VN exhibited higher reactivity and preferentially reacted with Cl−ions,provoking dissolution.However,NH4+generated during the dissolution of VN facilitated repassivation of the material,suppressing further pitting propagation.
基金finncially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52075183)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Research Fundamental(No.2023A1515010692)the Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province(Nos.2024B1111080002 and 2020B0404020004).
文摘Austenitic stainless steel(ASS)is a common material used in high-pressure hydrogen systems.Prolonged exposure to high-pressure hydrogen can cause hydrogen embrittlement(HE),raising significant safety concerns.Selective Laser Melting(SLM),known for its high precision,is a promising additive manufacturing technology that has been widely adopted across various industries.Studies have reported that under certain SLM manufacturing conditions and process parameters,the HE resistance of SLM ASS is significantly better than that of conventionally manufactured(CM)ASS,showing great potential for application in high-pressure hydrogen systems.Thus,studying the HE of SLM ASS is crucial for further improving the safety of high-pressure hydrogen systems.This paper provides an overview of the SLM process,reviews the mechanisms of HE and their synergistic effects,and analyzes the HE characteristics of SLM ASS.Additionally,it examines the influence of unique microstructures and SLM process variables on HE of SLM ASS and offers recommendations for future research to enhance the safety of high-pressure hydrogen systems.
基金supported financially by Fundamental Research Program of the Korea Institute of Materials Science(No.PNKA320)the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning(KETEP)and the Ministry of Trade,Industry&Energy(MOTIE)of the Republic of Korea(RS-2024-00435433).
文摘This study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructure of SS304L stainless steel(SS)fabricated via laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)under controlled oxygen levels(0.2%)at both room and cryogenic temperatures(77 K and 4 K).Experimental results show that the LPBF SS304L exhibits significant improvements in yield strength(YS),with an increase of∼336 MPa at room temperature and up to∼398 MPa at 4 K compared to wrought SS304L.Additionally,the current LPBF SS304L demonstrates an extra∼64 MPa YS strengthening over previous LPBF SS304L data at room temperature.These strength enhancements are primarily attributed to oxide dispersion hardening,promoted by the controlled oxygen level,alongside grain boundary strengthening and dislocation hardening,without significant ductility loss.Furthermore,strain-induced martensitic transformation(SIMT)was absent at room temperature and reduced at cryogenic temperatures compared to wrought SS304L,likely due to high dislocation density and nitrogen-stabilized austenite.A jerk flow observed at 4 K is attributed to adiabatic heating from plastic deformation,consistent with the low thermal conductivity.Finite element simulations reveal a short residence time(0.0137 s)for molten material during the LPBF process,with oxide particles forming predominantly through heterogeneous nucleation at the melt pool surface,and uniformly distributed by Marangoni convection.These findings provide key insights into developing LPBF parameters for enhanced mechanical performance of SS304L for cryogenic and ambient temperature applications.
基金financially supported by the National Key K&D Program of China(No.2023YFE0200300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52174303and 51874084)the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities(No.B21001)。
文摘Multistage heat treatment involving quenching(Q),lamellarizing(L),and tempering(T)is applied to marine 10Ni5CrMoV steel.The microstructure and mechanical properties were studied by multiscale characterizations,and the kinetics of reverse austenite transformation,strain hardening behavior,and toughening mechanism were further investigated.The lamellarized specimens possess low yield strength but high toughness,especially cryogenic toughness.Lamellarization leads to the development of film-like reversed austenite at the martensite block and lath boundaries,refining the martensite structure and lowering the equivalent grain size.Kinetic analysis of austenite reversion based on the JMAK model shows that the isothermal transformation is dominated by the growth of reversed austenite,and the maximum transformation of reversed austenite is reached at the peak temperature(750℃).The strain hardening behavior based on the modified Crussard-Jaoul analysis indicates that the reversed austenite obtained from lamellarization reduces the proportion of martensite,significantly hindering crack propagation via martensitic transformation during the deformation.As a consequence,the QLT specimens exhibit high machinability and low yield strength.Compared with the QT specimen,the ductile-brittle transition temperature of the QLT specimens decreases from-116 to-130℃due to the low equivalent grain size and reversed austenite,which increases the cleavage force required for crack propagation and absorbs the energy of external load,respectively.This work provides an idea to improve the cryogenic toughness of marine 10Ni5CrMoV steel and lays a theoretical foundation for its industrial application and comprehensive performance improvement.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52321001 and 52071322).
文摘In the present study,a simple but effective two-step annealing processing strategy via manipulating the austenite reversion path is proposed to obtain a large fraction of retained austenite in low-Mn medium-Mn steels.Initially,the Fe-3Mn-0.2C-1.5Si(wt%)steel is intercritically annealed to form Mn-enriched lamellar martensite precursors.Subsequently,the austenite reversion transformation is manipulated to occur within the martensite lamellae during the second annealing process,resulting in an ultra-fine duplex microstructure of laminated austenite and ferrite.This process can not only allow a large fraction of austenite to be retained in low-Mn medium-Mn steels,but also increase the elongation by up to 41%without sacrificing the strength level compared to the conventional annealing.
