Title: Changes in the microstructure of 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo stainless steels through the quenching process by induction heating

Authors: T. Honda; E.C. Santos; K. Kida; T. Shibukawa

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyushu University, 744, Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyushu University, 744, Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyushu University, 744, Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan ' YSK Co. Ltd., 3103-6, Kitanokawachi Otsu, Arita-cho, Nishimatuura-gun, Saga, 849-4166, Japan

Abstract: A 5 mm diameter shaft of 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo stainless steel was induction heated using a 15 mm diameter coil and subsequently quenched. The material's microstructure before and after heat treatment were investigated by laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) system, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The Vickers hardness distribution at the cross-section was measured. It was found that through the heat treatment process, the XRD pattern changed; the α-Fe peaks shifted and broadened. Grain boundaries as well as fine structures formed within grains were visible in the IH-hardened sample micrographs. This indicates the occurrence of martensitic transformation, resulting in an approximately two-fold hardness increase.

Keywords: 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo stainless steel; martensitic stainless steel; induction heating; X-ray diffraction; XRD; electron backscatter diffraction; EBSD; microstructure; quenching; heat treatment; Vickers hardness distribution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2012.051329

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2012 Vol.45 No.1/2/3/4, pp.31 - 40

Published online: 18 Sep 2014 *

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