Microstructure Evolution and Precipitation Behavior of a High Nitrogen 15Cr Martensitic Stainless Steel during Tempering

Abstract

The microstructure evolution and precipitation behavior of a low carbon high nitrogen martensitic stainless steel containing 15%Cr-5%Ni-1%Mo-0.16%N (in mass percentage) after tempering at temperatures ranged from 300 °C~700 °C were investigated by hardness test, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The steel exhibits second hardening behavior after tempering at temperatures below 500 °C. Tempering at temperatures …