Formation of delta ferrite in 9 wt.% Cr steel investigated by in-situ X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation

In situ X-ray diffraction measurements using high energy synchrotron radiation were performed to monitor in real time the formation of delta ferrite in a martensitic 9 wt.% chromium steel under simulated weld thermal cycles. Volume fractions of martensite, austenite and delta ferrite were measured as a function of temperature at a 10 C s-1 heating rate to 1300 C and subsequent cooling to room temperature. At the peak temperature, the delta ferrite concentration rose to a level of 19%, of which 17% transformed back to austenite on subsequent cooling. The final microstructure after this single thermal cycle consisted of newly formed martensite with 4% of retained austenite and 2% of retained delta ferrite.