Effect of deformation on the reversion of austenite in 18% nickel 2400MPA maraging steel

Effect of deformation on the reversion of austenite in 18% Ni 2400 Mpa maraging steel has been studied using X-ray diffraction, optical and transmission electron microscopy and EDX analysis. The results indicate that the deformation of martensite prior to reaustenitisation, affects both the reversion start and finish temperatures as well as the amount of austenite formed during the subsequent ageing. The volume fraction of austenite is also a sensitive function of the nature and extent of the Deformation. Deformation induced austenite transformation was not observed during the cold working of martensite. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that martensite lath boundaries are most favorable nucleation sites for the austenite. (author)