Increasing Tempering Temperature Research Articles

In depth analysis of the passive film on martensitic tool alloy: Effect of tempering temperature

Effect of tempering temperature on the composition of the passive film of a martensitic tool alloy was studied by synchrotron-based hard/soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical analyses. The contents of Cr and Mo in the passive film are affected by precipitation of tempering carbides. Increase of tempering temperature from 200 to 525°C leads to enhanced formation of Cr/Mo-rich tempering carbides and Cr depletion. Tempering at 525°C results in a Cr content < 11 at% in the underlying metallic layer and formation of a Cr-deficient defective passive film, and thus loss of passivity for the tool alloy in corrosive conditions.

Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of 4Cr13VTi steel

To optimize the tempering process of 40Cr13VTi steel containing V and Ti, the effect of tempering temperature on microstructure, precipitation, and properties of 40Cr13VTi stainless steel has been studied. Optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to analyze microstructure and precipitates. Tensile, impact, and hardness testing tests were performed to test the mechanical properties of 40Cr13VTi martensitic stainless steel. The research results indicate that as the increase of tempering temperature, the carbides precipitated gradually increase, and the shape gradually changes from particle to flake, which is consistent with the direction of the original martensite flat surface, and most of them concentrate at the martensite boundary. When the tempering temperature is 350°C, 40Cr13VTi martensitic stainless steel obtains the best comprehensive properties, strength, impact toughness (IT), and hardness which are 1360 MPa, 1717 MPa, 8.5 J/cm2, and 45.1 HRC respectively.

The Effect of Tempering Temperature on Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Tungsten and Boron Alloyed Ni-Hard 4 White Cast Irons

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of tempering temperature on the microstructure and wear resistance of high-alloy white cast iron (Ni-Hard 4) with 1.15% W and 0.5% B additions. Specimens were austenitized at 850 °C for 5 h, quenched in air, and tempered at temperatures between 250 and 650 °C for 4 h. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamic calculations were performed using Thermo-Calc software. After the microstructural investigations, hardness testing was carried out. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to conduct wear tests under dry sliding conditions. Microstructure and worn surfaces were examined using light and scanning electron microscopes. The results showed that increasing tempering temperature resulted in a higher volume fraction of carbides. It was found that tempering at 550 °C for four hours increases resistance to wear giving the lowest measured values of weight loss and wear rate. Accordingly, tempering allows the precipitation of fine carbides in the martensitic matrix which may increase wear resistance.

Investigating the wear resistance of high-chromium cast irons A532-class III-type A against high-energy abrasive particles

Regarding the widespread use of high chromium cast irons in manufacturing various industrial and mineral-processing parts such as liners, slurry pumps, and grinding balls, increasing erosion resistance is the key factor to enhance their performance. This research investigated three different chemical compositions of high chromium irons (in the eutectic and hypoeutectic range). Austenite destabilization process was conducted at two temperatures of 1060°C and 970°C followed by air cooling and then tempering at the range of 250°C to 400°C for 4 h. Erosion and bending tests were carried out on samples with optimal heat treatment conditions. Results show that the hardness of specimens heat-treated at 970°C, and also the low-carbon hypoeutectic specimens destabilized at 1060°C, increased by increasing tempering temperature over 300°C, which can be related to the formation of a higher volume fraction of M23C6 carbides. The best erosion resistance was observed in the low-carbon hypoeutectic specimen destabilized at 1060°C and tempered at 300°C. In addition, samples with higher erosion resistance exhibit lower bending strength. Finally, it was found that the principal wear mechanism was the occurrence of plastic deformation, and detachment of carbides from the surface before having an effective role in reducing wear.

Unveiling nano-scale chemical inhomogeneity in surface oxide films formed on V- and N-containing martensite stainless steel by synchrotron X-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy/microscopy and microscopic X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Nano-scale chemical inhomogeneity in surface oxide films formed on a V- and N-containing martensite stainless steel and tempering heating induced changes are investigated by a combination of synchrotron- based hard X-ray Photoelectron emission spectroscopy (HAXPES) and microscopy (HAXPEEM) as well as microscopic X-ray absorption spectroscopy (m-XAS) techniques. The results reveal the inhomogeneity in the oxide films on the micron-sized Cr2N- and VN-type particles, while the inhomogeneity on the martensite matrix phase exists due to localised formation of nano-sized tempering nitride particles at 600 °C. The oxide film formed on Cr2N-type particles is rich in Cr2O3 compared with that on the martensite matrix and VN-type particles. With the increase of tempering temperature, Cr2O3 formation is faster for the oxidation of Cr in the martensite matrix than the oxidation of Cr nitride-rich particles.

Effect of tempering temperature on stress corrosion resistance of a low alloy high strength steel with high vanadium content

The stress corrosion resistance of a low alloy high strength steel with high vanadium content, tempered at different temperatures, was examined by electrochemical measurements and slow strain rate tensile test under different environments. Combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the results show that three different tempering temperatures had an influence on the microstructure of this steel as well as its electrochemical behavior and stress corrosion sensitivity. With the increase of tempering temperature, the ferrite grains coarsened, the average dislocation density lowered as well as the number of vanadium carbide also decreased, though the size of vanadium carbide increased. However, the interface distortion between vanadium carbide and matrix exacerbated, resulting in the increase of the local dislocation density. Therefore, the corrosion potential and impedance decreased, meantime, the stress corrosion sensitivity aggravated.

Influence of Tempering Temperature on Mechanical and Rotational Bending Fatigue Properties of 40CrNi2MoE Steel.

In order to examine the mechanical properties and rotational bending fatigue performance of 40CrNi2MoE steel subsequent to tempering at varying temperatures, the steel specimen was subjected to tempering within the range of 400~460 °C. SEM, EBSD, and TEM were used to analyze the microstructure as well as precipitates. The strain hardening law was studied using the modified Crussard-Jaoult method. Investigations were undertaken to reveal the rotational bending fatigue life with respect to the tempering temperature. The findings indicate that the strength and fatigue life of the examined steels exhibit a decline as the tempering temperature increases, with the primary factor affecting this trend being the alteration in dislocation density. No notable impact on the fatigue fracture morphology exerted by tempering temperature was found within the range of the experiment. The C-J model analysis reveals that the work-hardening behavior of the trial steels is influenced by dislocations and the second phase.

Microstructure evolution and enhanced cryogenic toughness of laser welded dissimilar SA645/AISI304L joints via intercritical tempering

In this study, we explored the impact of intercritical tempering on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of dissimilar welds formed through laser welding between 5%Ni steel (SA645) and austenitic stainless steel (AISI304L). Upon tempering at 500 °C, reversed austenite manifested within the weld metal. The volume proportion of reversed austenite in weld metal at room temperature increased first, exhibiting a maximum (∼10%) at ∼600 °C, and then decreased with increasing tempering temperature, which was associated with the diminished stability of austenite. Due to the change in tempering temperatures, two distinct types of reversed austenite were present, with one being located at the high-angle grain boundaries and the other within the martensite blocks. As the tempering temperature increased, the weld metal hardness decreased, reaching a minimum of ∼306 HV at 600 °C, and then increased. The dislocation density within the martensite matrix and the quantity of reversed austenite are the crucial factors to determine the hardness of weld metal. The cryogenic impact toughness of weld metal increased at first and then decreased as the tempering temperature increased. The maximum of ∼40 J for the cryogenic impact toughness was obtained when tempering at 600 °C. The low-temperature impact toughness of the weld metal was determined by the synergy of the TRIP effect of reversed austenite, the compatible deformation capability of dual-phase structure, and the crack propagation behavior.

Heat Treatment Process, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Spring Steel with Ultra-High Strength and Toughness

In this research, a new type of spring steel with ultra-high strength and toughness was designed, and its mechanical properties and microstructure under different heat treatment processes were studied. The results show that the optimal heat treatment process for the steel is oil quenching at 890 °C for 40 min, followed by tempering at 400 °C for 1 h. Its mechanical properties have an optimal combination of 1865MPa tensile strength, a yield strength of 1662 MPa, an elongation of 11.5%, a cross-sectional shrinkage of 51.5%, and a Charpy impact energy of 43.7 J at room temperature. With increasing austenitizing temperature, the austenite grain size increases, the martensite lath becomes thicker, and the strength decreases. With increasing tempering temperature, the lath boundary of martensite becomes blurred, the strength decreases, and the plasticity improves. In addition, it was found that during tempering at higher temperature (450 °C), large particle inclusions and secondary cracks appeared in the fractured surface, and a large number of carbides precipitated, leading to the brittleness of tempered martensite.

Microstructural Investigation and Impact Strength of Sinter-Hardened PM Steels: Influence of Ni Content and Tempering Temperature

This study analyzed the influence of tempering treatment temperature on the microstructural and mechanical behavior of two different powder metallurgy steels containing 0 wt. % Ni and 4 wt. % Ni. The evolution of the microstructure and the macro- and microhardness of the microstructural constituents resulting from tempering treatments conducted on the sinter-hardened materials at temperatures ranging from 160 °C to 300 °C were investigated. The role of the tempering conditions in the impact behavior was assessed using Charpy tests on V-notched and unnotched samples, tempered at 180 °C, 220 °C and 280 °C. The observed macrohardness reduction with increasing tempering temperature was related to martensite transformations. At high tempering temperatures, the remarkable loss in impact energy values was attributed to microfracture modes. The contribution of Ni-rich austenite areas in enhancing impact strength was detected.

INFLUENCE OF TEMPERING TEMPERATURE ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND ULTIMATE TENSILE STRENGTH OF 28Cr3SiNiMoWV STEEL

In this research, the influences of the tempering temperature on the microstructure and ultimate tensile strength of 28Cr3SiNiMoWV steel were studied. The microstructure and ultimate tensile strength were investigated after tempering 28Cr3SiNiMoWV steel at different temperatures, ranging from 280 °C to 440 °C for 2 h. The results show that after tempering it at different temperatures, the microstructure of 28Cr3SiNiMoWV steel was tempered martensite. During the tempering process, the alloy carbides precipitated in the martensite matrix. Precipitation of alloy carbides in the microstructures of different specimens is the cause for an increase in the ultimate tensile strength. With the increasing tempering temperature, the ultimate tensile strength initially increases from 1390 MPa to 1601 MPa, and then decreases to 1466 MPa, with its maximum value at 280 °C.

Structure and Crack Resistance of Maraging Steels under Single Loading

Abstract—The effect of structural parameters on the strength and crack resistance of maraging steels under single loading has been studied. It has been established that the increase in strength due to dispersion hardening with intermetallic compounds in the studied steels is determined by the titanium content and the presence of cobalt. It was shown that the change in crack resistance under single loading with increasing tempering temperature has a complex character. It has been established that, in contrast to dynamic crack resistance, the minimum level of static crack resistance characteristics of the studied steels corresponds to the maximum strength. Possible reasons for such a change in the characteristics of static and dynamic crack resistance are discussed.

Achieving a superior combination of tensile properties and corrosion resistance in AISI420 martensitic stainless steel by low-temperature tempering

The mechanical and electrochemical properties of AISI420 martensitic stainless steels (MSS) tempered at different temperatures (200, 400, and 600 ℃) are systematically investigated. The increased tempering temperature leads to the decreased strength, while the elongation remains relatively stable. Notably, the MSS tempered at 200 ℃ exhibits a superior strength-ductility synergy, featuring a strength of 1.65 GPa, and elongation of 10%. Moreover, increasing tempering temperature reduces the electrochemical properties and pitting corrosion resistance. In the tempered samples, pitting corrosion initiates near the inclusions and carbides, with the Cr-rich carbides and Cr-depleted regions serving as channels that promote the propagation of corrosion.

Effect of Tempering Temperature on Hydrogen Embrittlement of SCM440 Tempered Martensitic Steel.

The effect of tempering temperature on the hydrogen embrittlement characteristics of SCM440 tempered martensitic steels was investigated in terms of their microstructure and hydrogen desorption behavior. The microstructures were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction analysis. Thermal desorption analysis (TDA) was performed to examine the amount and trapping behavior of hydrogen. The cementite morphology of the SCM440 tempered martensitic steels gradually changed from a long lamellar shape to a segmented short-rod shape with an increasing tempering temperature. A slow strain rate tensile test was conducted after electrochemical hydrogen charging to evaluate the hydrogen embrittlement resistance. The hydrogen embrittlement resistance of the SCM440 tempered martensitic steels increased with an increasing tempering temperature because of the decrease in the fraction of the low-angle grain boundaries and dislocation density. The low-angle grain boundaries and dislocations, which acted as reversible hydrogen trap sites, were critical factors in determining the hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and this was supported by the decreased diffusible hydrogen content as measured by TDA. Fine carbides formed in the steel tempered at a relatively higher temperature acted as irreversible hydrogen trap sites and contributed to improving the hydrogen embrittlement resistance. Our findings can suggest that the tempering temperature of SCM440 tempered martensitic steel plays an important role in determining its hydrogen embrittlement resistance.

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of 60Si2CrVNb spring steel under quenching-tempering heat treatment process

This study investigated the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of 60Si2CrVNb spring steel under different quenching and tempering processes. The morphology of martensite, precipitate phases, and carbides, as well as the analysis of mechanical properties, were examined. The results revealed that the highest ultimate tensile strength (2260 MPa) and yield strength (2091 MPa) of 60Si2CrVNb spring steel were achieved through austenitization at 900 °C and subsequent tempering at 350 °C, which is related to the maximum dislocation strengthening effect. The optimal combination of mechanical properties for 60Si2CrVNb spring steel was obtained by quenching at 900 °C for 30 min and tempering at 400 °C for 90 min. Under these conditions, the steel exhibited an ultimate tensile strength of 2084 MPa, yield strength of 1846 MPa, elongation of 10.8%, and area reduction of 41.5%. Increasing the quenching temperature resulted in the gradual dissolution of undissolved carbides, an increase in the average grain size of austenite, coarsening of martensite, and an initial increase and subsequent decrease in tensile strength and plasticity. Furthermore, the fracture type transformed from ductile fracture to mixed fracture of ductile and brittle. On the other hand, the increasing tempering temperature led to a decrease in dislocation density and gradual decomposition of martensite lath boundaries. Additionally, the type of carbides changed from small-sized M2C and MC carbides to large-sized M3C, M7C3, and M23C6 carbides. As a result, the tensile strength of the steel decreased significantly, while its plasticity steadily increased. Moreover, the fracture behavior transformed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture.

Rapid tempering of a medium-carbon martensitic steel: In-depth exploration of the microstructure – mechanical property evolution

Rapid tempering is a remarkable sustainable and energy-efficient way to modify properties of as-quenched martensite, particularly its toughness and ductility. In this work, tensile and fracture toughness properties, and microstructural evolution of a medium-carbon (0.4 wt%), low-alloy steel under different rapid tempering circumstances are discussed. The hot-rolled and direct-quenched specimens were subjected to rapid tempering treatments (heating rate of about 90 °C/s) to the different tempering temperatures (320–720 °C). As a reference material, one sample was subjected to conventional tempering at 420 °C for one hour. The results indicated that the mechanical properties and microstructural features are influenced considerably by tempering temperature rather than the holding time. Despite the short tempering duration, the strength of tempered martensite dropped (from a max. tensile strength of ∼ 2100 MPa to a min. of ∼ 1100 MPa) while ductility increased with increasing tempering temperature (from a tensile elongation of 4% to ∼ 15%). However, the rapidly tempered sample at 420 °C experienced a loss of fracture toughness as a result of coarse stick-like cementite precipitation. Microstructural observations revealed that, even with a short time frame, tempering temperature plays a significant role in the resulting cementite morphology. At lower tempering temperatures, the cementite precipitates have a stick-like structure, while at higher temperatures, they become more globular/spheroid-like. This change in cementite morphology led to an enhancement in fracture toughness. Overall, the results indicated that, by a proper design of the rapid tempering process, an excellent combination of tensile properties and fracture toughness can be obtained compared to conventional tempering while significantly saving time and energy.

EVOLUTION OF MICROSTRUCTURE AND EMBRITTLEMENT DURING THE TEMPERING PROCESS IN SiCrCu MEDIUM-CARBON STEELS

The effect of Cu and Si contents on the evolution of embrittlement during a heat treatment consisting of quenching into an oil bath and tempering in the range 200–500 °C was investigated in medium-carbon steels with 0.48 w/% and 0.57 w/% of C. The results showed that the higher silicon content shifted the tempered martensite embrittlement to higher tempering temperatures. The steels alloyed with Cu had lower notch-toughness values, which worsened with increasing tempering temperature compared to the Cu-free samples. In the investigated tempering temperature range, the following microstructural changes occurred: formation of transition carbides, decomposition of retained austenite, and precipitation of cementite and Cu-particles.

The effect of microstructure evolution on fatigue property of SA508Gr.4N steel for nuclear reactor pressure vessels

The effect of tempering temperature on the microstructure evolution of SA508Gr.4N steel as well as the subsequent effect on the low cycle fatigue property were studied. The tempering temperature was carried out from 595 °C to 675 °C. The experimental results showed that more M/A islands were decomposed at 630 °C, and carbides were dissolved when the tempering temperature increased to 640 °C. The intercritical tempering temperature of the steel reached at a higher temperature (675 °C). After the intercritical range cooling, the granular bainite transformed into martensite, quasi-polygonal ferrite and a small number of undissolved carbides. Subsequently, the tempered specimens at 595 °C, 630 °C and 675 °C were subjected to low cycle fatigue tests under the strain amplitudes of ±0.45% and ±0.6% at 300 °C, respectively. The fatigue life of the steel increased first and then decreased with the increase of tempering temperature. The fatigue stripes separation exhibited a contrary trend to the fatigue life with the increase of tempering temperature. Moreover, the fatigue crack initiation points were transferred from around the M/A islands to the grain boundaries triple point with the increase of tempering temperature from 595 °C to 630 °C. Subsequently, the fatigue crack initiation points were transferred from the grain boundaries triple point to the ferrite phase and the boundary between martensite and ferrite when the tempering temperature increased to 675 °C. The obtained results can provide meaningful reference for improving the fatigue life of nuclear reactor pressure vessels.

Study on Effect of Tempering Temperature on Microstructure and Properties of Super Martensitic Stainless Steel Welded Joints

The ultra-martensitic stainless steel ZG06Cr13Ni4Mo, due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good tensile property and excellent weldability, is widely used in many occasions of hydropower, thermal power, and nuclear power, especially as the preferred material for pump impeller. This type of steel has good weldability due to its low carbon content, but the low content of reversed austenite in the weld will lead to poor plastic toughness of the welded joint. The effect of different tempering processes on the microstructure transformation and mechanical properties of welded joints of ultra-martensitic stainless steel was studied. The 20 mm thick test plate was MIG welding and then tempered at 560 °C, 600 °C, and 640 °C for 2 h. The results show that after increasing tempering temperature, the microstructure gradually decreases from the base metal to the weld and gradually transforms from lath martensite to tempered sorbite; When tempering at 600 °C, the microstructure in the weld is the finest, and the size of grain size is 0.274 μm. The highest content of reversed austenite is 9.39%; In the welded joint, compared with the untempered joint, the hardness of the welded joint area decreases after tempering, and the tensile strength first decreases and then increases. The yield strength and elongation gradually increase.

Effect of Quenching Medium and Tempering Temperature on Microstructure and Hardness of JIS SUP 9 Steel

JIS SUP 9 steel is one of the materials commonly used for suspension components in motorized vehicles with medium carbon steel base material. It must have good hardness and toughness so that failure does not occur during operational. This research was conducted to increase the hardness of JIS SUP 9 Steel through a heat treatment and various quenching media. The heat treatment was carried out with 830-880ºC temperature with a holding time of 7 minutes then cooled using water and oil. After treatment, tempering was carried out with a holding time of 7 minutes and then cooled in room temperature. Hardness testing was carried out using Microhardness Vickers and then the microstructure was observed using an Olympus Metallurgical Microscope. The results show that heat treatment followed by rapid cooling increases the initial hardness of JIS SUP 9 (229 VHN) steel. The decrease in hardness after the tempering process will be higher with increasing tempering temperature. The results of the microstructure of the sample without heat treatment showed pearlite and ferrite phases. After heat treatment, tempered martensite, residual austenite and carbide phases appear. It can be concluded that changes in the microstructure affect the hardness of JIS SUP 9 steel.