Microstructure, phase equilibria, and transformations in corrosion resistant dual phase steel designated 3CR12

Abstract

To optimize the properties of the new corrosion resisting steel 3CR12 the microstructure has been studied as a function heat treatment. The kinetics of both the decomposition of austenite and the reaustenization reactions have been investigated using a series of isothermal anneals. The steel has a dual phase ferrite–austenite structure between 800 and 1350°C and the amount of austenite is maximum at about 1050°C. At this temperature a higher nickel version of the alloy is fully austenite. On cooling to ambient temperature, the austenite transforms to a lath-type martensite. Heat treatments at temperatures up to 800°C cause the slow tempering of the martensite, the recovery and recrystallizat..