The thermal and mechanical stability of austenite in the low carbon martensitic steel PH 13-8

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. A, Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing, 1991-12, Vol.149 (1), p.65-72
• Main Authors: Garrison, W.M., Brooks, J.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metals. Metallurgy; Other mechanical properties
• ISSN: 0921-5093; 1873-4936
• DOI: 10.1016/0921-5093(91)90787-N

PH 13-8Mo (registered trademark of the Armco Steel Corporation) is a martensitic stainless steel of low carbon content which is strengthened on aging by precipitation of the intermetallic β-NiAl. This alloy exhibits an embrittlement coincident with precipitation hardening. One possible cause of or contributor to this embrittlement could be decomposition of retained austenite or changes in the mechanical stability of the austenite in the structure. The purpose of this work was to determine the amount and mechanical stability of austenite in PH 13-8 as a function of aging temperature and time and to assess the extent to which decomposition of retained austenite and/or changes in its mechanical stability could be associated with the embrittlement of this alloy on aging.