In this study, expanded austenite was prepared by an industrial low-temperature plasma nitriding process in 304L and 904L austenitic stainless steels. The current investigation focuses on the assessment of the thermal stability and related phase evolution of the expanded austenite layer during isothermal annealing in protective argon atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 450 to 600°C for 24 and 168 h. Characterisation of the original expanded austenite and the decomposed surface layers was performed. Denitriding, inward N-diffusion and Cr-compounds precipitation occurred at different extent, depending on annealing conditions and alloy composition. Expanded austenite in 304L exhibited a near complete eutectoid decomposition after a short annealing time, while 904L showed significantly better thermal stability. A fine dispersion of small CrN precipitates resulting from expanded austenite decomposition at relatively low annealing temperature or short duration could further positively affect the surface hardness of both materials. Precipitate growth reduces hardness at higher annealing temperatures/times.
aThe current study focuses on the characterization of the nitrided layer, formed in American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 304L and AISI 904L austenitic stainless steels by industrial low-temperature plasma nitriding, using combined analysis techniques. The study highlighted that the evolution of the microstructure of the nitrided layers is influenced by surface finishing prior to nitriding, alloying elements and nitriding conditions, all factors affecting S-phase formation and nitrogen (N) diffusion mechanisms. The chemical bonding characteristics of Cr 2p 3/2 and N 1s as revealed by XPS show a shift in binding energy between expanded austenite (S-phase) and CrN-like compounds. S-phase has proven to be more stable in 904L, whereas residual and/or induced ferrite/martensite in 304L acts as a barrier for its development.
In this work, a highly alloyed cold work tool steel, Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra, was manufactured via the electron beam melting (EBM) technique. The corresponding material microstructure and carbide precipitation behavior as well as the microstructural changes after heat treatment were characterized, and key mechanical properties were investigated. In the as-built condition, the microstructure consists of a discontinuous network of very fine primary Mo- and V-rich carbides dispersed in an auto-tempered martensite matrix together with ≈15% of retained austenite. Adjusted heat treatment procedures allowed optimizing the microstructure by the elimination of Mo-rich carbides and the precipitation of fine and different sized V-rich carbides, along with a decrease in the retained austenite content below 2%. Hardness response, compressive strength, and abrasive wear properties of the EBM-manufactured material are similar or superior to its as-HIP forged counterparts manufactured using traditional powder metallurgy route. In the material as built by EBM, an impact toughness of 16–17 J was achieved. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) was applied in order to further increase ductility and to investigate its impact upon the microstructure and properties of the material. After HIPing with optimized protocols, the ductility increased over 20 J.
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