Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and tempering embrittlement of ultra-high strength steel for construction machinery

doi:10.13251/j.issn.0254-6051.2020.12.015

Abstract

Abstract: Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and tempering embrittlement of ultra-high strength steel for construction machinery was investigated by means of SEM, TEM and Charpy V-notch impact test at -20 ℃. And based on fracture characterization and microstructure, the crack propagation path was analyzed. The results show that carbides formed after martensite decomposition are precipitated gradually from martensite lath to the boundaries of prior austenite grain and martensite lath, the shape of which is changed from needle-like to granular and tends to coarsen with the increase of tempering temperature in the range of 200-500 ℃. Both tempering temperatures of 200 ℃ and 500 ℃ result in the ductile fracture in the unstable fracture zone of impact specimens. When the tempering temperature is 300 ℃, the tempered embrittlement is occurred, the crack propagation path is relatively straight in the unstable fracture zone of impact specimens, which is in accord with quasi-cleavage fracture. By microstrucrure analysis, a large number of needle-like carbides are precipitated along the boundaries of prior austenite grain and martensite lath. These carbides provide crack nucleation sites and promote crack propagation, which can result in the occurrence of tempered embrittlement.

Key words: construction machinery, ultra-high strength steel, carbide, tempered embrittlement

CLC Number:

TG113.25⁺4

Zheng Dongsheng, Liu Dan, Luo Deng, Li Huizhong, Zhang Qingxue, Peng Ningqi, Jian Haigen. Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and tempering embrittlement of ultra-high strength steel for construction machinery[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2020, 45(12): 82-86.

References

[1] Ozgowicz W, Ozgowicz E K.Investigations on the impact strength of constructional high-strength Weldox steel at lowered temperature[J]. Archives of Materials Science and Engineering, 2008, 32(2): 89-94.
[2] Nykänen T, Björk T, Laitinen R.Fatigue strength prediction of ultra high strength steel butt-welded joints[J]. Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures, 2013, 36(3): 469-482.
[3] Lisiecka A K, Piwnik J, Lisiecki A.Laser welding of new grade of advanced high strength steel STRENX 1100 MC[J]. Archives of Metallurgy and Materials, 2017, 62(3): 1651-1657.
[4] Sorger G, Sarikka T, Vilaça P, et al.Effect of processing temperatures on the properties of a high-strength steel welded by FSW[J]. Welding in the World, 2018, 62(6): 1173-1185.
[5] Salminen A, Farrokhi F, Unt A, et al.Effect of optical parameters on fiber laser welding of ultrahigh strength steels and weld mechanical properties at subzero temperatures[J]. Journal of Laser Applications, 2015, 28(2): 022415.
[6] Klein M, Rauch R, Spindler H, et al.Ultra high strength steels produced by thermomechanical hot rolling-advanced properties and applications[J]. BHM Berg- und Hüttenmännische Monatshefte, 2012, 157(3): 108-112.
[7] Tsuyama S.Thick plate technology for the last 100 years: A world leader in thermo mechanical control process[J]. ISIJ International, 2015, 55(1): 67-78.
[8] Krauss G.Steels: Processing, Structure, and Performance (Second Edition)[M]. Ohio, ASM International, 2015: 456-462.
[9] Zadeh A A, Pirlari A J, Barzegari M.Tempered martensite embrittlement in a 32NiCrMoV125 steel[J]. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 2005, 14(5): 569-573.
[10] Yen H W, Chiang M H, Lin Y C, et al.High-temperature tempered martensite embrittlement in quenched-and-tempered offshore steels[J]. Metals, 2017, 7(7): 253.
[11] Eliaz N, Shachar A, Tal B, et al.Characteristics of hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion cracking and tempered martensite embrittlement in high-strength steels[J]. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2002, 9(2): 167-184.
[12] Bhadeshia H, Honeycombe R.Steels: Microstructure and Properties (Fourth Edition)[M]. Oxford, Elsevier Ltd, 2017: 241-243.
[13] Ohmura T, Hara T, Tsuzaki K.Evaluation of temper softening behavior of Fe-C binary martensitic steels by nanoindentation[J]. Scripta Materialia, 2003, 49(12): 1157-1162.

[1]	Wang Yudai, Liu Yang, Zhu Yanyan, Tian Xiangjun, Cheng Xu, Ran Xianzhe, Qian Tingting. Effect of heat treatment on microstructure homogeneity and tensile properties of hybrid fabricated AerMet100 ultra-high strength steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(4): 1-9.
[2]	Wang Yinghu, Zheng Huaibei, Liu Tingyao, Song Lingxi, Bai Qingqing. Effect of solid solution treatment on microstructure and carbides of 53Cr21Mn9Ni4N heat-resistant steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(4): 39-45.
[3]	Wang Qi, Wu Guangliang. Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and properties of 1100 MPa grade high-strength steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(4): 146-150.
[4]	Dai Jianke, Han Shun, Li Yong, Liu Xianmin, Wang Chunxu, Pang Xuedong, Li Jianxin. Microstructure and properties of C69 gear steel for aviation after high temperature carburizing [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(4): 219-225.
[5]	Su Yong, Wang Shuai, Wang Jixing, Yu Xingfu, Liu Hongxiu, Liu Jinling. Effect of compound chemical heat treatment on microstructure and hardness of G13Cr4Mo4Ni4V steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(4): 226-230.
[6]	Wu Fangjun, Deng Xiaoyun, Jie Xiaohua, Zheng Kaihong, Luo Zhichao. Thermal fatigue properties of H13 and Dievar steels for hot-work die [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(3): 165-172.
[7]	Li Kuo, Sun Mingyue, Xu Bin, Li Dianzhong. Analysis of influencing factors on transverse impact properties of rare earth H13 die steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(3): 181-185.
[8]	Dai Yanzhang, Han Shun, Li Yong, Zhou Min, Wang Chunxu. Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and properties of a new generation transmission gear steel C61 [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(1): 49-55.
[9]	Li Liangjun, Zhang Jiamin, Chi Hongxiao, Zhou Jian. Effect of Co microalloying on microstructure and properties of M2 high speed steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2022, 47(1): 73-78.
[10]	Deng Biao, Chen Peng, Wang Guodong. Effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and properties of secondary hardening martensitic stainless steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2021, 46(9): 65-71.
[11]	Li Qi, Chen Zhengzong, Jiang Xinliang, Liu Zhengdong, Zuo Liang. Effect of solution treatment temperature on microstructure and properties of modified In617 alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2021, 46(8): 109-114.
[12]	Lan Dongsheng, Yan Xianguo, Chen Zhi, Jiang Yijiang, Yuan Ruize, Yao Yongchao, Su Hang. Effect of magnetic field cryogenic treatment on wear resistance of YG11C cemented carbide [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2021, 46(8): 184-188.
[13]	Xiong Jinsheng, Ning Jing, Su Jie, Jiang Qingwei. Effect of solution temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of ultra-high strength steel G33 [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2021, 46(7): 160-164.
[14]	Zhuang Quan, Wang Yutian, Dong Zhipeng. Comparative analysis of evaluation standards of carbide network in high carbon chromium bearing steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2021, 46(6): 27-30.
[15]	Xu Chen, Chen Guangxing, Zhang Yongwei, Tan Fei, Xu Xiaochang. Microstructure and mechanical properties of 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel after heat treatment [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2021, 46(6): 200-204.