Abstract
The changes in matrix structure that occur during tempering of an Fe-0.2C martensite at 400° to 700°C have been investigated. Light and electron metallographic observations show that when tempered, the fine martensitic lath structure coarsens while retaining the elongated packet-lath morphology. The as-quenched hardness 504 Khn and total grain boundary area per unit volume 50,800 cm−1 decrease abruptly at the higher tempering temperatures and in seconds reach relatively stable values that decrease slowly with time. The decrease in low angle boundaries accounts for most of the initial grain boundary area change, while the large angle boundary component of total boundary area decreases gradually with tempering time. Recovery processes are responsible for the initial changes in matrix structure, and carbide boundary pinning suppresses recrystallization until grain growth dominates in the later stages of tempering.
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