Effect of V on intragranular ferrite nucleation of high Ti bearing steel

The effect of 0.1V on the intragranular ferrite nucleation of 0.2Ti steel was studied. By adding 0.1V, the grain size was refined to 1–3 μm. The (Ti,V)(C,N) complex precipitates were the nucleation sites of the intragranular ferrite. The core of the precipitate was undissolved Ti–C-rich (Ti,V)(C,N), and the cap was V–C-rich (V,Ti)(C,N) generated by stress induction. The V-rich cap forming on the Ti-rich core increased the nucleation potency. The precipitates reached critical nucleation size with the assistance of the core.