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Effects of Lath Boundary Segregation and Reversed Austenite on Toughness of a High-Strength Low-Carbon Steel

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Abstract

Comprehending the mechanisms underlying embrittlement and de-embrittlement during tempering holds paramount importance in the advancement of high-strength and high-toughness steels. In this research, the influence of element segregation at martensite lath boundary and the formation of reversed austenite on toughness after aging were systematically investigated. A high-strength steel has been developed, exhibiting a V-notch impact toughness of 185 J/cm2 at − 80 °C, a yield strength of 980 MPa, and a total elongation of 20 pct. The findings indicate that the short aging can result in Mn segregation at the lath boundary, leading to embrittlement of the steel. In contrast, prolonged aging triggers Mo segregation at these boundaries, mitigating the Mn segregation effects. The mechanisms governing post-aging embrittlement and subsequent recovery are chiefly modulated by segregation of Mn and Mo at the martensite lath boundaries. Mn segregation at these boundaries correlates with diminished toughness, while Mo segregation serves to counteract the adverse consequences of Mn segregation, thereby reinstating superior toughness characteristics. Upon extended aging, notable segregation of Mn and Ni occurs at the lath boundaries, leading to a decline in the localized AC1 temperature and facilitating the development of a film-like reversed austenite structure along the martensite lath boundaries. This reversed austenite structure demonstrates remarkable stability, persisting well below − 130 °C. Both the segregation of Mo at the lath boundaries and the formation of the film-like reversed austenite significantly contribute to the enhancement of toughness.

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Acknowledgments

The present work was supported by the NSFC Funding (U2141207, 52001083, 52171111) and the project from the Iron & Steel Research Institute of Ansteel Group Corporation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, P.R. China

    Xinghao Wei, Tenglong Gong & Zhongwu Zhang

  2. Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute, Luoyang, 471000, P.R. China

    Xinghao Wei

  3. College of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, P.R. China

    Xue Cao

  4. State Key Laboratory of Metal Material for Marine Equipment and Application, Iron & Steel Research Institute of Ansteel Group Corporation, Anshan, 114009, Liaoning, P.R. China

    Gang Zhao & Zhongwu Zhang

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  1. Xinghao Wei
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Correspondence to Xue Cao or Zhongwu Zhang.

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Wei, X., Gong, T., Cao, X. et al. Effects of Lath Boundary Segregation and Reversed Austenite on Toughness of a High-Strength Low-Carbon Steel. Metall Mater Trans A 55, 1484–1494 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-024-07331-w

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