Abstract
The microstructures and chemical composition of nano-precipitates in vanadium (V) steels were investigated by the alloy contrast variation method (ACV) using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) coupled with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) at holding temperatures ranging between 600 and 700°C. Both the SAXS and SANS profiles exhibited clear scattering, depending on the holding temperature, due to the presence of nano-precipitates. The scattering profiles of the precipitates are characteristic of spherical or disc-like particles. The average diameters of these precipitates increased from 0.5 nm at 600°C to 23 nm at 700°C, whereas the number density of the precipitates decreases with increased holding temperature. Therefore, the increasing holding temperature results in an increase in the growth rate of the precipitates. ACV analysis revealed that the chemical composition of the precipitates corresponds to NaCl-type vanadium carbide (VC) at 675 and 700°C, and as VC0.9 at 625 and 650°C. The formation of a different heterogeneity, non-NaCl type, was found in the sample at a holding temperature of 600°C. This probably corresponds to a precursor of the NaCl phase in the initial process of precipitation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.