Apparent Morphologies and Nature of Packet Martensite in High Carbon Steels

The apparent morphologies of packet martensite in eight high carbon steels were researched by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. It was found that the apparent morphologies, substructures, and habit plane of packet martensite in high carbon steels are entirely different from that in low carbon steels; the substructures of packet martensite in high carbon steels possess fully twinned structure, while the substructures of individual coarse martensite plates in these steels bear both fully and partially twinned structures. The formation reason for apparent morphologies, substructures and two habit planes （i. e, { 111 }, and { 225}r） of high carbon martensite were discussed in detail.

Effect of Ultra-low Temperature on Carbonation Performance of SFRRC and Prediction Model

Through the rapid carbonation test of SFRRC with different fiber volume fractions at ultralow temperature,the influence of ultra-low temperature damage on the carbonation resistance of SFRRC was analyzed,which provides a theoretical basis for the application of SFRRC in ultra-low temperature engineering.The experimental results show that ultra-low temperatures can significantly weaken the carbonization resistance of SFRRC.When the temperature reaches 160℃,the carbonization depth increases by 67.66%compared with the normal state.The proper amount of steel fiber has an evident influence on the carbonation resistance of the material.However,when the addition amount exceeds the optimum content,the carbonation resistance of the material decreases.The grey prediction model established by constructing the original sequence can reasonably predict the carbonation resistance of SFRRC after ultra-low temperatures.

INVESTIGATION ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF MARTENSITE IN CARBON STEELS

The effect of carbon content on the morphology of martensite in carbon steels has been studied in depth. It is found that not all the packet martensites obtained in carbon steels quenched from elevated temperature are lath martensite. The packet martensite obtained thus should be divided into two categories: packet thin plate martensite (i.e. lath martensite) and packet plate martensite. The former is only found in low carbon steels, the latter mainly in medium and high carbon steels. The morphology of martensite in steels with different carbon contents has been researched in detail using optical microscopy, SEM and TEM. A new criterion is proposed for identifying the category of martensite. Based on this new criterion, it is found that asquenched steels with Cc≤02% contains lath martensite; that with 02%<Cc<04% contains a mixture of lath and plate martensite. The structure of asquenched steels with Cc≥04% is completely of plate martensite. The curve of the relative volume percentage of martensite without internal twins versus carbon content has been redetermined. Finally, the misinterpretation of experimental results by previous investigators is analysed.

SUBSTRUCTURE AND CRYSTAL MORPHOLOGY OF MARTENSITE IN MEDIUM CARBON IRON ALLOYS

The morphologic,substructural and crystallographic characteristics of martensite in steels 60 and 60Si2Mn have been investigated by means of optical and transmission electron microscopy combined with B-M phenomenological crystallographic theory.The average hab- it plane of martensite in medium carbon iron alloys is{225}_f.Experimental data on the habit plane and the orientation relationship between the austenite and martensite are in agreement with the B-M theoretical calculation of using the Bain strain and lattice invariant shear on (100)[011]_f.

INFLUENCE OF CARBON CONTENT OF MARTENSITE STEELS ON HARDNESS RE-DISTRIBUTION NEAR WORN SURFACE

After three-body abrasion, the hardness re-distribution near the worn surface has a close relationship with the carbon content of martensite steel. It is considered that there is a competition between the work-hardening and the temper softening, which results from deformation and friction heat of material. When the carbon content of martensite steel is below about 0.6%, the subsurface hardness distribution of material is a softened layer sandwiched between two hardened layers, but above 0.6%C, no softened region appears on the hardness re-distribution curve.

FATIGUE FRACTURE BEHAVIOR OF LOW CARBON MARTENSITE AND MARTENSITE/BAINITE DUPLEX STRUCTURE IN STEEL 20CrMnMo

Fatigue crack propagation rate,da/dN,and threshold stress intensity range,ΔK_(th),of steel 20CrMnMo containing low carbon martensite or low carbon martensite/bainite(LCM/B) duplex structure,obtained by oil quenching and austempered at 360℃,have been measured using specimens under four-point bending.Observation was also made of the crack path and fracture morphology with relation to microstructure.The formation of LCM/B duplex structure,which caused by 20% lower bainite after short-time isothermal treatment,may re- markably increase ΔK_(th)and considerably decrease da/dN.The effect of microstructure on da/dN and ΔK_(th)was discussed with the emphasis on the crack propagation path.

EFFECTS OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTO-TEMPERING AND DECOMPOSITION OF MARTENSITE FOR A LOW CARBON Si-Mn-V STEELS

The effect of rare earth metals(REM)on the characteristics of auto-tempering and decomposition of martensite for low-carbon and low-alloy steels(20SiMn2V and 20SiMn2VRE)was investigated using TEM,dilatometer and microhardness test.Results show that both ε.and θ carbides,during auto-tempering, may precipitate from the low-carbon martensite matrix at the same time in the 20SiMn2V steel,however,the precipitation of the ε-carbides can be inhibited by the REM contained in the 20SiMn2 VRE steel,resulting in change of the type of precipitated carbides and decrease of the extent of auto-tempering.The“in-situ”ob- servations show that the decomposition of martensite is also inhibited by the REM contained in the 20SiMn2 VRE steel during low temperature tempering.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MARTENSITE IN A HIGH CARBON FERROALLOY

Some characteristics of plate martensite in a 1.03% C ferroalloy have been studied by using the transmission electron microscopy.The habit plane of the plate martensite in this ferroalloy was found to be close to{224}_f.The morphology,distribution,coalescence and curving of martensite as well as the substructure in both martensite and austenite have been observed. The mechanism of both nucleation and growth of the martensite have been discussed.

Development of Low and Middle Carbon Martensite Spring Steel with High Strength and Toughness for Automobile

The conventional middle and high carbon spring steels have some drawbacks in properties, production and application. In order to meet the demands of rapid development of automobile, a new low and middle carbon spring steel 35Si2CrMnVB, C0.34, Sil.66, MnO.80, CrO.67, V0.13, B0.001, P0.011, S0.014 wt.%, has been developed. Comparison between the new spring steel 35Si2CrMnVB and the conventional spring steel 60Si2MnA, C0.61, Si 1.75, MnO.76, P0.021, S0.018 wt.%, shows that the new spring steel has not only high strength, good ductility, good comprehensive mechanical properties, but also low decarbonization tendency, sufficient hardenability and high elastic sag resistance, etc.. The microstructure change in quenched steel caused by the decreasing of carbon contents is detected through metallographic observation, the new low and middle carbon spring steel 35Si2CrMnVB after quenching is composed of almost lath martensite with high dislocation density and only a little martensite with twin structure. It is testified that to develop low carbon spring steel with more excellent properties for automobile is feasible.

Novel mechanism for the modification of Al_2O_3-based inclusions in ultra-low carbon Al-killed steel considering the effects of magnesium and calcium

Many researchers have explored the inclusion modification mechanism to improve non-metallic inclusion modifications in steelmaking. In this study, two types of industrial trials on inclusion modifications in liquid steel were conducted using ultra-low-carbon Al-killed steel with different Mg and Ca contents to verify the effects of Ca and Mg contents on the modification mechanism of Al_2O_3-based inclusions during secondary refining. The results showed that Al_2O_3-based inclusions can be modified into liquid calcium aluminate or a multi-component inclusion with the addition of a suitable amount of Ca. In addition, [Mg] in liquid steel can further reduce CaO in liquid calcium aluminate to drive its evolution into CaO–MgO–Al_2O_3 multi-component inclusions. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the reaction between [Mg] and CaO in liquid calcium aluminate occurs when the MgO content of liquid calcium aluminate is less than 3 wt% and the temperature is higher than 1843 K.

Structure Character of M-A Constituent in CGHAZ of New Ultra-Low Carbon Bainitic Steel under Laser Welding Conditions

800 MPa grade new ultra-low carbon bainitic （NULCB） steel is the recently developed new generation steel. The microstructure in the coarse-grained heat affected zone （CGHAZ） of NULCB steel under laser welding conditions was investigated by thermal simulation. The influence of the cooling time from 800℃ to 500℃.t8/5 （0.3-30 s）, on the microstructure of the CGHAZ was discussed. The experimental results indicate that the microstructnre of the CGHAZ is only the granular bainite which consists of bainitic ferrite （BF） lath and M-A constituent while t8/5 is 0.3-30 s. The M-A constituent consists of twinned martensite and residual austenite, and the change of the volume fraction of the residual austenite in the M-A constituent is very small when t8/5 is between 0.3 and 30 s. The morphology of the M-A constituent obviously changes with the variation of t8/5.As t8/5 increases, tile average width, gross and shape parameter of the M-A constituent increase, while the line density of the M-A constituent decreases.

High-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cell with ultra-low loading Pt on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes as integrated catalyst layer

Reducing a Pt loading with improved power output and durability is essential to promote the large-scale application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs).To achieve this goal,constructing optimized structure of catalyst layers with efficient mass transportation channels plays a vital role.Herein,PEMFCs with order-structured cathodic electrodes were fabricated by depositing Pt nanoparticles by Ebeam onto vertically aligned carbon nanotubes(VACNTs)growth on Al foil via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.Results demonstrate that the proportion of hydrophilic Pt-deposited region along VACNTs and residual hydrophobic region of VANCTs without Pt strongly influences the cell performance,in particular at high current densities.When Pt nanoparticles deposit on the top depth of around 600 nm on VACNTs with a length of 4.6μm,the cell shows the highest performance,compared with others with various lengths of VACNTs.It delivers a maximum power output of 1.61 W cm^(-2)(H_(2)/O_(2),150 k Pa)and 0.79 W cm^(-2)(H_(2)/Air,150 k Pa)at Pt loading of 50μg cm^(-2),exceeding most of previously reported PEMFCs with Pt loading of<100μg cm^(-2).Even though the Pt loading is down to 30μg cm^(-2)(1.36 W cm^(-2)),the performance is also better than 100μg cm^(-2)(1.24 W cm^(-2))of commercial Pt/C,and presents better stability.This excellent performance is critical attributed to the ordered hydrophobic region providing sufficient mass passages to facilitate the fast water drainage at high current densities.This work gives a new understanding for oxygen reduction reaction occurred in VACNTs-based ordered electrodes,demonstrating the most possibility to achieve a substantial reduction in Pt loading<100μg cm^(-2) without sacrificing in performance.

Formation mechanism of spheroidal carbide in ultra-low carbon ductile cast iron

The formation mechanism of the spheroidal carbide in the ultra-low carbon ductile cast iron fabricated by the metal mold casting technique was systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that the spheroidal carbide belonged to eutectic carbide and crystallized in the isolated eutectic liquid phase area. The formation process of the spheroidal carbide was related to the contact and the intersection between the primary dendrite and the secondary dendrite of austenite. The oxides of magnesium, rare earths and other elements can act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for the spheroidal carbide. It was also found that the amount of the spheroidal carbide would increase with an increase in carbon content. The cooling rate has an important influence on the spheroidal carbide under the same chemical composition condition.

Effect of Carbon on the Paramagnetic-Antiferromagnetic Transition and γ→εMartensitic Transformation of Fe-24Mn Alloys

The effect of C content (0.014-0.39 wt pct) on the paramagnetic-antiferromagnetic transition and γ→ε martensitic transformation of Fe-24Mn alloys has been investigated by the resistivity, dilation, tensile properties measurement and microstructure examination. The results have shown that C decreases T_N; increases the thermal expansion coefficients both above and below the T_N; increases the resistivity above the T_N and antiferromagnetic scattering resistivity below T_N. It strongly depresses the γ→ε martensitic transformation and reduces the M_s of Fe-24Mn alloys. Moreover, it increases the lattice parameter of austenite, enhances the tensile ductility, but almost does not affect the tensile strength. With increasing C content from 0.014 to 0.19 wt pct, the yield strength of Fe-24Mn alloy decreases obviously arising from the decreasing of preexisting ε martensite. but it increases from 0.19 to 0.39 wt pct C due to the solution hardening of C.

High microwave absorption performances for single-walled carbon nanotube–epoxy composites with ultra-low loadings

Microwave-absorbing polymeric composites based on single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWNTs） are fabricated via a simple yet versatile method, and these SWNT-epoxy composites exhibit very impressive microwave absorption perfor- mances in a range of 2 GHz-18 GHz. For instance, a maximum absorbing value as high as 28 dB can be achieved for each of these SWNT-epoxy composites （1.3-mm thickness） with only 1 wt% loading of SWNTs, and about 4.8 GHz bandwidth, corresponding to a microwave absorption performance higher than 10 dB, is obtained. Furthermore, such low and appro- priate loadings of SWNTs also enhance the mechanical strength of the composite. It is suggested that these remarkable results are mainly attributable to the excellent intrinsic properties of SWNTs and their homogeneous dispersion state in the polymer matrix.

Effect of an upward magnetic field on nanosized sulfide precipitation in ultra-low carbon steel

An induction levitation melting （ILM） refining process is performed to remove most microsized inclusions in ultra-low carbon steel （UCS）. Nanosized, spheroid shaped sulfide precipitates remain dispersed in the UCS. During the ILM process, the UCS is molten and is rotated under an upward magnetic field. With the addition of Ti additives, the spinning molten steel under the upward magnetic field ejects particles because of resultant centrifugal, floating, and magnetic forces. Magnetic force plays a key role in removing sub-micrometer-sized particles, composed of porous aluminum titanate enwrapping alumina nuclei. Consequently, sulfide precipitates with sizes less than 50 nan remain dispersed in the steel matrix. These findings open a path to the fabrication of clean steel or steel bearing only a nanosized strengthen- ing phase.

Deformation Behavior of Ultra-low Carbon Steel in Ferrite Region during Warm Processing

The hot deformation experiments of ultra-low carbon steel in ferrite range were carried out in a hot simulator in order to research hot deformation behaviors of ultra-low carbon steel in ferrite range at low temperature. The results show that the influences of deformation parameters on flow stress are different to those in austenitic deformation. The deformation characteristic parameters were calculated for ultra-low carbon steel in ferrite region. The flow stress equation for ultra-low carbon steel in ferritic deformation at low temperature was obtained.

Mechanical Method Determining Precipitation in an Ultra-Low Carbon Bainitic Steel

Stress relaxation was chosen as the best method for monitoring the precipitation process. Tests were carried out on an ultra-low carbon bainitic steel containing Mn, Nb and B over 800~950℃. Specimens were solu- tion treated at 1250℃ for a certain holding period. A prestain of 20% was applied at a strain rate of 0.1/s. The exper- imental results are displayed by a set of stress vs. 1g(time) curves different from the typical stress relaxation curves. There are two singularities forming a stress plateau on the stress vs.1g(time) curves when precipitates could be observed. Suppose the first one is the start of precipitation (Ps), and the second represcnts the fihish (Pf). As a result Precipitation-Time-Temperature relationship is described as C-shape curves based on two points. This mechanical method is suitable and precise for measuring precipitates in microalloyed steels during hot working.

Optimum process of RH-MFB refining for ultra-low carbon steel

A mathematical model was established and applied to simulate thedecarburization of RH-MFB process in Pansteel Company. Study of theeffects of w_[C]0, w_[O]0, Ar flowrate, evaluation rate the MFB lanceblowing parameters on the decarburization process was car- Ried out.The results showed that this model could give the quantitativeunderstanding of the process, especially the behavior of MFB Lanceblowing. This model has realized the optimum process of RH-MFBrefining for ultra-low carbon steels in Pansteel.

Advanced manufacturing technologies of large martensitic stainless steel castings with ultra low carbon and high cleanliness

The key manufacturing technologies associated with composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, casting quality and key process control for large martensitic stainless steel castings are involved in this paper. The achievements fully satisfeid the technical requirements of the large 700 MW stainless steel hydraulic turbine runner for the Three Gorges Hydropower Station, and become the major technical support for the design and manufacture of the largest 700 MW hydraulic turbine generator unit in the world developed through our own efforts. The characteristics of a new high yield to tensile strength (R p0.2/R m ) ratio and high obdurability martensitic stainless steel with ultra low carbon and high cleanliness are also described. Over the next ten years, the large martensitic stainless steel castings and advanced manufacturing technologies will see a huge demand in clean energy industry such as nuclear power, hydraulic power at home and abroad. Therefore, the new high yield o tensile strength (R p0.2/R m ) ratio and high obdurability martensitic stainless steel materials, the fast and flexible manufacturing technologies of large size castings, and new environment friendly sustainable process will face new challenges and opportunities.