Intergranularfailure in steel: the role of grain-boundary composition

Control of cryogenic intergranular fracture in high-manganese austenitic steels

“…This model correctly predicts embrittlement by the species known to promote intergranular fracture in well-documented systems such as low-alloy steels [49] (see Fig.56). The model also predicts that Mn additions to an Fe matrix decrease the grain boundary cohesion.…”

“…as does Cr; or (iii) inhibiting segregation through chemical fixation. as reported for Mo and Ti [49]. Certain elements have also been reported to increase grain boundary cohesion.…”

“…Grain boundary segregation of impurities such as S. p. Sb. and Sn result in the well-documented temper embrittlement of low-alloy steels [49]. Equilibrium segregation is diffusion-controlled, and occurs during slow cooling or low-temperature tempering treatments.…”

“…Sn. and p. in order of decreasing potency [49]. Other elements identified as embrittling species include S. As.…”

Martensite and Bainite in Steels : Transformation Mechanism & Mechanical Properties

“…The prior austenite grain boundaries in martensitic or bainitic steels therefore represent regions of atomic disorder in the original y/y boundaries, which are highly susceptible to the segregation of impurity atoms such as phosphorus [6]. Martensitic and bainitic steels are therefore particularly prone to temper embrittlement phenomena [7], to embrittlement by liquid zinc [8] and to failure by creep defects at the prior boundaries [9].…”