Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8023426 | Surface and Coatings Technology | 2018 | 41 Pages |
Abstract
This work shows microstructural evidences of morphological transformation from as-hardened martensite to C-expanded martensite as a result of the low-temperature plasma carburizing treatment carried out in AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel. Treatments were carried out at different treatment temperatures (350, 400, 450, and 500â¯Â°C, for a 12â¯h fixed time) and times (12, 24, 36, and 48â¯h, at 400â¯Â°C fixed temperature). Confocal laser scanning microscopy and SEM results show martensite coarsening in the treated surfaces regarding the respective substrate bulks, which is related to the surface C-alloying, thus being dependent on the treatment time and temperature. Hardness measurement and XRD results strongly suggest that the martensite coarsening is related to the transformation from lath- to plate-type martensite due to the enhancement of the martensite C content, in accordance with the Zener ordering theory. For samples carburized at relatively low temperatures (namely 350, and 400â¯Â°C), as C diffuses in paraequilibrium, strain-induced transformation mechanism would govern the changes in the initial martensite morphology as a result of its C content increase. On the other hand, as the chromium carbide precipitation occurs for samples treated at relatively high temperatures (higher than 450â¯Â°C for 12â¯h), and long times (longer than 36â¯h at 400â¯Â°C), C atoms would leave the supersaturated (expanded) martensite phase solid solution, leading the plate martensite to transform back to lath martensite.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Authors
S.F. Brunatto, C.J. Scheuer, I. Boromei, C. Martini, L. Ceschini, R.P. Cardoso,