Mechanical Properties of Vm12 Steel after 30 000 Hrs of Ageing at 600°C Temperature/ Właściwości Mechaniczne Stali Vm12 Po 30 000 Godzin Starzenia W Temperaturze 600°C

Abstract

Abstract The paper describes the influence of different times of ageing on mechanical properties and microstructure stability in hardened and tempered VM12 steel exposed to service temperature - 600°C. Detailed microstructural and microchemical analysis of secondary phases was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM + EDX) and X-ray phase analysis of carbide isolates. Performed research has proved high stability of strength properties of the investigated steel, which is connected with the lath stability of the microstructure of tempered martensite. Slight changes in strength properties were accompanied by over 50% reduction in impact strength KV of the examined cast steel, from the level of 83 J in the as-received condition to 38 J after 30 000 hrs of ageing at the temperature of 600°C. Significant decrease in impact energy KV of VM12 steel results from the growth of the amount and size of precipitations on grain boundaries.