Effect of carbon and niobium on the microstructure and impact toughness of a high silicon 12% Cr ferritic/martensitic heat resistant steel

In order to guide the design of 9–12% Cr ferritic/martensitic (F/M) heat resistant steels appropriate for use in accelerator-driven system, the impact toughness and behavior of precipitation of a 12% Cr F/M heat resistant steel containing high C and Si concentrations have been investigated. Particular focus has been given to the interaction of carbon and carbonitride-forming element. Because of the presence of primary NbC and a large amount of M₂₃C₆, the impact toughness of the investigated steel was much lower than that of the commercial 9–12% Cr F/M heat resistant steels. The primary NbC crystallizes directly from liquid metal when the Nb concentration is higher than a critical value. The critical value of Nb decreases with increase in the carbon concentration. In addition, the higher content and faster precipitation kinetics of M₂₃C₆ in the investigated steel during the tempering heat treatment also lowers the impact toughness