Comparison of the microstructure and mechanical properties of 300-M steel manufactured by the vacuum arc remelt and the electroslag remelt processes

Abstract

The transverse (T-L) and longitudinal (L-T) mechanical properties of Electroslag Refined (ESR) and Vacuum Arc Remelt (VAR) 300-M steel were measured. These were related to the microstructural and chemical differences which resulted from the two melting processes. It was found that the ESR process resulted in a cleaner steel. Impurity elements were reduced and inclusions were finer and more evenly dispersed. The Charpy impact energies of the ESR steel were nearly doubled those of the VAR. Also the fracture toughness of the ESR 300-M showed no temper embrittlement in the 350 to 500/sup 0/C tempering range whereas that of the VAR material did.