Effect of Nb Addition on Cu Precipitation in Ferritic Stainless Steel

Formations of Cu-rich precipitate in 18%Cr-1.5%Cu stainless steels without and with 0.5%Nb have been examined mainly using transmission electron microscopy. The specimens solution-treated at 1250 degrees C were isothermally transformed at various temperatures between 500 and 850 degrees C. Fine spherical Cu-rich solute zones were nucleated in the steels in the beginning of aging. These Cu-rich zones exhibited bcc structure and then transformed into 9R structure with twins during aging. The spherical 9R-Cu particles changed into rod-shaped fcc-Cu particles after prolonged aging. Laves phase of Fe2Nb type started to form in the Nb-added steel almost after finishing nucleation and growth of Cu particles. Addition of Nb in the steel delayed the nucleation of the Cu-rich zones due to slow diffusion of Nb atoms in ferrite.