Initial clustering – a key factor for phase separation kinetics in Fe–Cr-based alloys

Clustering of alloying elements in solution-treated Fe–Cr-based alloys is of considerable importance for their microstructure stability upon aging. The clustering of Cr after solution treatment in three stainless steel alloy categories has been studied by atom probe tomography. Furthermore, phase-field simulations are applied to examine the effect of initial clustering on phase separation evolution. It is concluded that the clustering of Cr found in solution-treated ferritic and duplex alloys plays a critical role in the nanostructure evolution during aging.