Effects of VC, M3C precipitates on the mechanical properties of Cr-Mo-Ni-V steels

In this study, various austenitizing temperatures were selected to explore their influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr-Mo-Ni-V steels. The dissolution of primary carbides during the quenching process and the precipitation behavior of carbides during the tempering process for the steels were investigated using SEM and EDS analyses. As the austenitizing temperature increases from 860 degrees C to 900 degrees C, VC can be dissolved into the matrix, and the pinning effect of VC on prior austenite grains is weakened. The dissolved V in the quenched condition has a retarding effect on the carbide precipitation upon tempering. With the austenitizing temperature increasing, both tensile strength and elongation of tempered steels are increased, as well as the impact toughness.

Automated summary

In this study, the influence of various austenitizing temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr-Mo-Ni-V steels was explored. SEM and EDS analyses were used to investigate the dissolution of primary carbides during quenching and the precipitation behavior of carbides during tempering. It was found that increasing the austenitizing temperature resulted in the dissolution of VC into the matrix and a weakening of the pinning effect of VC on prior austenite grains. The dissolved V in the quenched condition retarded the carbide precipitation during tempering. With increasing austenitizing temperature, both tensile strength and elongation of tempered steels as well as impact toughness were increased.