IMPACTS OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 15%Cr-5%Ni-2%Cu MARTENSITIC STAINLESS STEEL

Abstract

This study examines how the heat treatment parameters affect the strength and microstructures of 15%Cr-5%Ni-2%Cu martensitic stainless steel. A tempering range of 300-650°C in air cooling and quenching at 1050°C in oil cooling produced the tested specimens. Following heat treatments, optical and scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction analyses, hardness measurements, and tensile testing were used to examine mechanical properties and microstructure. The findings demonstrated that the impact of heat treatment, particularly tempering temperature, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of martensitic stainless steel has been studied. As the tempering temperature rose, the steel's hardness and tensile strength declined. The ductility may be significantly enhanced by raising the tempering temperature. The property was thought to be associated with the microstructure of reversed austenite and tempered lath martensite. A more incredible reversed austenite amount facilitates the increased ductility of martensitic stainless steel.