Phase transformation studies of a high chromium, high carbon stainless steel

Chromium and carbon rich stainless steels are particularly attractive for applications requiring enhanced wear and corrosion resistance. The microstructure of such consists of a network of inter dendrite primary carbides in a ferritic matrix in the as-cast condition. On the other hand, heat-treated samples also contain secondary carbides inside the matrix. A selective dissolution technique was employed to isolate carbides from the matrix. SEM and X-ray diffraction studies showed that the primary carbides were essentially of M/sub 7/C/sub 3/ type, whereas in heat treated samples both M/sub 7/C/sub 3/ and M/sub 23/C/sub 6/ carbides have been observed. The amount of primary as well as secondary carbides was found to depend on the heat-treatment temperatures. (author)