Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of an Fe–18Ni–16Cr–4Al base alloy during aging at 950℃

The development of Gen-IV nuclear systems and ultra-supercritical power plants proposes greater demands on structural materials used for key components. An Fe–18Ni–16Cr–4Al (316-base) alumina-forming austenitic steel was developed in our laboratory. Its microstructural evolution and mechanical properties during aging at 950℃ were investigated subsequently. Micro-structural changes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Needle-shaped NiAl particles begin to precipitate in austenite after ageing for 10 h, whereas round NiAl particles in ferrite are coarsened during aging. Precipitates of NiAl with different shapes in different matrices result from differences in lattice misfits. The tensile plasticity increases by 32.4% after aging because of the improvement in the percentage of coincidence site lattice grain boundaries, whereas the tensile strength remains relatively high at approximately 790 MPa.     

The precipitation strengthening behavior of Cu-rich phase in Nb contained advanced Fe–Cr–Ni type austenitic heat resistant steel for USC power plant application

Copper has been used as a strengthening element in newly developed Fe–Cr–Ni type austenitic heat resistant steel for inducing Cu-rich phase precipitation to meet high temperature strength requirement for 60°C Ultra Super-Critical (USC) coal fired power plants for many years. However, the precipitation behavior and strengthening mechanism of Cu-rich phase in these advanced austenitic heat resistant steels is still unclear. In order to understand the precipitation strengthening behavior of Cu-rich phase and to promote high strength austenitic heat resistant steel development, 18Cr9 NiCuNb steel which is a Cu-added Nb contained advanced Fe–Cr–Ni type austenitic heat resistant steel has been selected for this study to be aged at 650°C till to 10,000 h. Micro-hardness and room temperature tensile test were conducted after long-time aging. SEM,TEM, HRTEM and three dimensional atom probe (3DAP) technology accompanying with thermodynamic calculation have been used to investigate the Cu-rich phase precipitation behavior during 650°C aging. The experimental results showed that Cu atoms can quickly concentrate in clusters at very early precipitation stage to form the fine nano-size Cu-rich ‘‘segregation areas’within less than 1 h at 650°C. With increasing aging time at 650°C Cu atoms continuously concentrate to Cu-rich segregation areas (clusters) and simultaneously other kinds of atoms such as Fe, Cr and Ni diffuse away from Cu-rich segregation areas to austenitic matrix, and finally to complete the transformation from Cu-rich segregation areas to Cu-rich phase. However, there is only Cu atoms concentration but not crystallographic transformation from early stage of Cu-rich clusters forming to the final Cu-rich phase formation. Even the Cu atom becomes the main composed element after 500 h aging at 650°C the Cu-rich phase still keeps coherent relationship with austenitic matrix. According the experimental results in this study, Cu-rich phase precipitation sequence which starts from the Cu atom segregation followed by the Cu diffusing from matrix to segregation areas and Fe, Cr and Ni atoms diffuse out from Cu-rich areas to matrix without crystallographic transformation is proposed. The Cu-rich phase is the most dispersed phase and contributes the most important strengthening effect among all precipitated phases (M23C6, MX and Cu-rich phase). It has been found that Cu-rich phase is very stable and still keeps in nano-size even for 10,000 h aging at 650°C. The unique precipitation strengthening of Cu-rich phase in combination with nano-size Nb-rich MX phase and grain-boundary M23C6carbide contributes excellent strengthening effect to 18Cr9 NiCuNb austenitic heat resistant steel.     

Microstructural analysis and hot corrosion behavior of HVOF-sprayed Ni–22Cr–10Al–1Y and Ni–22Cr–10Al–1Y–SiC(N) coatings on ASTM-SA213-T22 steel

The present paper deals with the investigation of microstructure and high-temperature hot corrosion behavior of high-velocity oxy fuel(HVOF)-produced coatings. Two powder coating compositions, namely, Ni22Cr10Al1Y alloy powder and Ni22Cr10Al1Y(80 wt%; microsized)–silicon carbide(SiC)(20 wt%; nano(N)) powder, were deposited on a T-22 boiler tube steel. The hot corrosion behavior of bare and coated steels was tested at 900°C for 50 cycles in Na_2SO_4–60 wt%V_2O_5 molten-salt environment. The kinetics of corrosion was established with weight change measurements after each cycle. The microporosity and microhardness of the as-coated samples have been reported. The X-ray diffraction,field emission-scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray mapping characterization techniques have been utilized for structural analysis of the as-coated and hot-corroded samples. The results showed that both coatings were deposited with a porosity less than2%. Both coated samples revealed the development of harder surfaces than the substrate. During hot corrosion testing, the bare T22 steel showed an accelerated corrosion in comparison with its coated counterparts. The HVOF-sprayed coatings were befitted effectively by maintaining their adherence during testing. The Ni22Cr10Al1Y–20 wt%SiC(N) composite coating was more effective than the Ni–22Cr–10Al–1Y coating against corrosion in the high-temperature fluxing process.     

Comparative study on the corrosion behavior of X52, 3Cr,and 13Cr steel in an O_2–H_2O–CO_2 system: products,reaction kinetics,and pitting sensitivity

The corrosion behaviors of X52, 3Cr low-alloy steel, and 13Cr stainless steel were investigated in an O_2–H2O–CO_2 environment at various temperatures and O_2–CO_2 partial-pressure ratios. The results showed that the corrosion rates of X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr steels increased with increasing temperature. The corrosion rates slowly increased at temperatures less than 100°C and increased sharply when the temperature exceeded 100°C. In the absence of O_2, X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr exhibited uniform corrosion morphology and Fe CO3 was the main corrosion product. When O_2 was introduced into the system, various forms of Fe_2O_3 appeared on the surface of the samples. The Cr content strongly influenced the corrosion resistance. The 3Cr steel with a low Cr content was more sensitive to pitting than the X52 or 13Cr steel. Thus, pitting occurred on the surface of 3Cr when 1.25 MPa of O_2 was added; this phenomenon is related to the non-uniform distribution of Crin 3Cr.     

Comparative study on the corrosion behavior of X52, 3Cr,and 13Cr steel in an O2–H2O–CO2 system: products,reaction kinetics,and pitting sensitivity

The corrosionbehaviors of X52, 3Cr low-alloy steel, and 13Cr stainless steel were investigated inanO2–H2O–CO2 environment at varioustemperaturesand O2–CO2partial-pressure ratios. The results showed thatthe corrosion rates of X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr steels in-creased with increasing temperature. The corrosion ratesslowly increased at temperaturesless than100℃ and increased sharply when the temperature exceeded100℃. In the absence of O2, X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr exhibited uniform corrosion morphology and FeCO3 was the main corrosion product. When O2 was introduced into the system, various forms of Fe2O3 appeared on the surface of the samples. The Cr content strongly influenced the corrosion resistance. The 3Cr steel with a low Cr content was more sensitive to pitting than the X52 or 13Cr steel. Thus, pitting occurred on the surface of 3Cr when 1.25 MPa of O2 was added; this phenomenon is related to the non-uniform distribution of Cr in 3Cr.     

Changes of climate extremes of temperature and precipitation in summer in eastern China associated with changes in atmospheric circulation in East Asia during 1960–2008

Climate extremes and changes in eastern China are closely related to variations of the East Asian summer monsoon and corresponding atmospheric circulations.The relationship between frequencies of temperature and precipitation extremes in China during the last half century is investigated using Singular Value Decomposition analysis.During 1980-1996,there was a typical pattern with fewer hot days and more precipitation extremes in the northern part of eastern China,and more hot days and fewer precipitation extremes in the southern part.This geographic pattern tended to reverse after 1997,with fewer hot days and more extreme precipitation days south of the Yangtze River and vice versa to the north.Differences in atmospheric circulation between the former and latter periods are presented.We conclude that a mid-level anomalous high/low,upper-level anomalous easterlies/westerlies over the north/south of eastern China,a weakened East Asian summer monsoon and associated upper-tropospheric center of cooling(30°N,110°E) are all favorable for the changes in frequencies of temperature and precipitation extremes.     

Preparation of in situ and ex situ reinforced Fe–10Cr–1Cu–1Ni–1Mo–2C containing NbC particles by milling and hot pressing

An in situ and ex situ reinforced powder metallurgy(PM) steel was prepared by the combination of high-energy ball milling and subsequent hot pressing of elemental mixed powders of Fe–10Cr–1Cu–1Ni–1Mo–2C by mass with the addition of Nb C particles. A 40-h milling pretreatment makes the powder particles nearly equiaxed with an average diameter of ~8 μm, and the ferrite grain size is refined to ~6 nm. The sintered density reaches 99.0%–99.7% of the theoretical value when the sintering is conducted at temperatures greater than 1000°C for 30 min. In the sintered bulk specimens, the formation of an in situ M7C3(M = Cr, Fe, Mo) phase is confirmed. M7C3 carbides with several hundred nanometers in size are uniformly distributed in the matrix. Some ultra-fine second phases of 50–200 nm form around the ex situ Nb C and in situ M7C3 particles. The sintered steel exhibits an excellent combination of hardness( Hv 500) and compressive strength(2100–2420 MPa).     

Evolution of plasticized MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based nonmetallic inclusion in 18wt%Cr-8wt% Ni stainless steel and its properties during soaking process

The properties of MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based plasticized inclusion are likely to change during soaking process due to its low melting point. In this study, the evolution of the MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based inclusion of 18 wt%Cr-8 wt%Ni stainless steel under isothermal soaking process at 1250°C for different times was investigated by laboratory-scale experiments and thermodynamic analysis. The results showed that the inclusion population density increased at the first stage and then decreased while their average size first decreased and then increased. In addition, almost no Cr_2O_3-concentrated regions existed within the inclusion before soaking, but more and more Cr_2O_3 precipitates were formed during soaking. Furthermore, the plasticity of the inclusion deteriorated due to a decrease in the amount of liquid phase and an increase in the high-melting-pointphase MnO–Cr_2O_3 spinel after the soaking process. In-situ observations by high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM) confirmed that liquid phases were produced in the inclusions and the inclusions grew rather quickly during the soaking process. Both the experimental results and thermodynamic analysis conclude that there are three routes for inclusion evolution during the soaking process. In particular, Ostwald ripening plays an important role in the inclusion evolution, i.e., MnO–Al_2O_3–SiO_2-based inclusions grow by absorbing the newly precipitated smaller-size MnO–Cr_2O_3 inclusions.     

Evaluation of the microstructure,secondary dendrite arm spacing,and mechanical properties of Al–Si alloy castings made in sand and Fe–Cr slag molds

The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast A356(Al–Si) alloy castings were investigated. A356 alloy was cast into three different molds composed of sand, ferrochrome(Fe–Cr) slag, and a mixture of sand and Fe–Cr. A sodium silicate–CO_2 process was used to make the necessary molds. Cylindrical-shaped castings were prepared. Cast products with no porosity and a good surface finish were achieved in all of the molds. These castings were evaluated for their metallography, secondary dendrite arm spacing(SDAS), and mechanical properties, including hardness, compression, tensile, and impact properties. Furthermore, the tensile and impact samples were analyzed by fractography. The results show that faster heat transfer in the Fe–Cr slag molds than in either the silica sand or mixed molds led to lower SDAS values with a refined microstructure in the products cast in Fe–Cr slag molds. Consistent and enhanced mechanical properties were observed in the slag mold products than in the castings obtained from either sand or mixed molds. The fracture surface of the slag mold castings shows a dimple fracture morphology with a transgranular fracture nature. However, the fracture surfaces of the sand mold castings display brittle fracture. In conclusion, products cast in Fe–Cr slag molds exhibit an improved surface finish and enhanced mechanical properties compared to those of products cast in sand and mixed molds.     

Oxidation behaviours of Nb–22Ti–15Si–2Al–2Hf–2V–(2, 14)Cr alloys with Al and Y modified silicide coatings prepared by pack cementation

Al and Y modified silicide coatings on the Nb-15Si-22Ti-(2,14)Cr-2Al-2Hf-2V alloys(where the alloy with 2 at%Cr or 14 at%Cr is hereafter referred to as 2Cr and 14 Cr alloy,respectively) was prepared by pack cementation.The microstructural evolution and the oxidation behaviours of the coating 2Cr and 14 Cr samples at 1250 ℃ were studied.The 2Cr alloy consists of Nb solid solution(Nb_(SS)) and α-Nb_5Si_3 silicide,while the Laves C15-Cr_2Nb phase arised in the 14 Cr alloy.The coating structure of the coating 2Cr sample contained the outer(Nb,X)Si_2+(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer,the middle(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer and the inner undeveloped intermetallic(Nb,Ti)_3(Al,X) layer,the structure of the coating 14 Cr sample consisted of the outer single(Nb,X)Si_2 layer,the middle(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer,the transition(Nb,Ti)(Cr,Al) layer and the inner(Cr,Al)_2(Nb,Ti) layer.The coating 14 Cr sample exhibited better oxidation resistance than the coating 2Cr sample.With an outer single(Nb,X)Si_2 layer,a compact oxide scale consisting of SiO_2 and TiO_2 formed on the coating14 Cr sample,which can efficiently prevent the substrate from oxidising.For the coating 2Cr sample with an outer(Nb,X)Si_2 +(Nb,X)_5Si_3 layer,the oxide scale of the SiO_2,TiO_2,Nb_2O_5 and CrNbO_4 mixture generated,and the scale spalled out from the surface of the sample,resulting in disastrous failure.     

Comparative study on the corrosion behavior of X52, 3Cr,and 13Cr steel in an O2-H2O-CO2 system:products,reaction kinetics,and pitting sensitivity

The corrosion behaviors of X52, 3Cr low-alloy steel, and 13Cr stainless steel were investigated in an O₂-H₂O-CO₂ environment at various temperatures and O₂-CO₂ partial-pressure ratios. The results showed that the corrosion rates of X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr steels increased with increasing temperature. The corrosion rates slowly increased at temperatures less than 100℃ and increased sharply when the temperature exceeded 100℃. In the absence of O₂, X52, 3Cr, and 13Cr exhibited uniform corrosion morphology and FeCO₃ was the main corrosion product. When O₂ was introduced into the system, various forms of Fe₂O₃ appeared on the surface of the samples. The Cr content strongly influenced the corrosion resistance. The 3Cr steel with a low Cr content was more sensitive to pitting than the X52 or 13Cr steel. Thus, pitting occurred on the surface of 3Cr when 1.25 MPa of O₂ was added; this phenomenon is related to the non-uniform distribution of Cr in 3Cr.