Microstructure of stainless steel after heat treatment: Data from atomic-force microscopy

Abstract

The micro- and nanostructure of 40Kh13 stainless steel is studied by optical, scanning electron, and atomic-force microscopy. The images of the steel’s structure and phase composition in three different states (after annealing, quenching, and high-temperature tempering) are compared. The optical images of the ferrite–pearlite structure with considerable content of (Cr, Fe)23C6 globular carbides obtained after annealing are compared with the results of scanning electron and atomic-force microscopy. It is found that the qualitative conclusions regarding the microstructure of the steel obtained by atomic-force and scanning electron microscopy not only agree with the results of optical microscopy but also provide greater detail. Data from the scanning electron microscope indicate that large carbides are located at the boundaries of ferrite grains. Some quantity of carbides may be found within the small ferrite grains. The size of the inclusions may be determined. The structure formed after quenching consists of coarse acicular martensite. Images from the atomic-force microscope show the acicular structure with greater clarity; three-dimensional images may be constructed. The undissolved carbides are also globular. The size of the martensite plates may be determined. The structure of the steel after high-temperature tempering (tempering sorbite) is formed as a result of the decomposition of martensite to ferrite–carbide mixture, with the deposition of regular rounded carbides. As confirmed by spectral analysis, the individual and row carbides (Cr, Fe)23C6 that appear contain chromium, which rapidly forms carbides. This structure is stronger than martensite. Data from uniaxial tensile tests are presented for all the states; the hardness HB is determined.