Exploring Phase Transformation Mechanisms in Maraging‐300 Steel During Ageing Beyond Widely Applied Temperature Parameters

Abstract

Maraging steels achieve the highest strength limit when aged around 480 °C. Some research has been carried out on this treatment at temperatures different from 480 °C to improve the toughness and magnetic properties of this metal. This research uses Mössbauer spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), hardness measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the phase transformation process of solution‐treated Maraging‐300 steel specimens aged at 520, 560, and 600 °C. The results indicate that the precipitation of intermetallic compounds, which are responsible for the improvement of mechanical properties, occurs similarly to precipitation at the temperature of 480 °C within the first hour of ageing. The coexistence of precipitates and the austenitic phase is detected, and a crystalline/magnetic transition zone is suggested in the material for longer times and higher ageing temperatures.