An atom probe study of carbon distribution in martensite in [formula omitted]Cr1Mo steel

Abstract

2[1/4]Cr1Mo steel is used widely for superheater tubing in power plants, and as a filler material for joining [1/2]Cr[1/2]Mo[1/4]V steam piping. Components in power plants can be massive and therefore differences in cooling rates can result in a mixed microstructure of allotriomorphic ferrite, bainite and martensite. The creep strength of the steel is critically dependent on the carbide distribution within the microstructure. The position and nature of carbides within the microstructure is itself a critical function of the movement of carbon through the microstructure during the early stages of tempering. In this paper, atom probe field ion microscopy has been used to examine carbon segregation to lath boundaries in martensite in 2[1/4]Cr1Mo steel. Significant carbon enrichment was observed at the lath boundaries. This enrichment is consistent with the observation of retained austenite films at the lath boundaries in the transmission electron microscope, and with carbon levels previously found in retained austenite in low alloy ferrous martensites.