In the scope of this thesis, the influence of the addition of niobium on mechanical properties and microstructure of constructional stainless steel X20CrMoV11-1 was studied. Previous findings on microalloying have shown that niobium addition improves the mechanical properties of steel due to fine precipitates that harden the steel matrix with the mechanism of precipitation hardening. Moreover, these precipitates inhibit the growth of austenite crystal grains during austenitization, which leads to the finer martensitic microstructure of hardened steel. Niobium precipitates also improve the creep resistance of steel.
The main aim of this work was to study the influence of niobium on the strength properties of steel that was tempered at higher temperatures and to study its influence on creep behaviour. For this purpose, a computer program for determination of approximate chemical compositions of laboratory melts was used. Laboratory melts were made in a vacuum induction furnace. Molten steel was cast into ingots, which were subsequently homogenisation annealed, forged and properly heat treated.
As part of our research, a chemical composition analysis confirming the successfulness of melt fabrication was conducted. Furthermore, the optimal temperature of austenitization was determined using dilatometric analysis and sensitivity-to-grain growth hardenability test. Hardness, tensile strength and Charpy impact toughness of heat treated samples were determined. Moreover, an accelerated creep test was also undertaken. Lastly, the microstructure analysis was made using light and scanning electron microscope, and an automated SEM-EDS non-metallic inclusions and precipitates analysis was made.
Results show that niobium in concentrations between 0,05 wt. % to 0,1 wt. % improves the strength and creep resistance of steel, without there being a significant decrease in impact toughness. Improvement of creep resistance can be attributed to the formation of more stable MX precipitates during creep, which represent an extra barrier for dislocation movement and improve strength due to precipitation hardening. At higher niobium concentrations (0,3 wt. %) primary Nb(C,N) precipitates have formed during melt solidification. These large precipitates have a negative impact on mechanical properties, especially impact toughness.
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