Effects of aging treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a nanoprecipitates-strengthened ferritic steel

Abstract

Aging treatment is the primary method to control the strength of nanoprecipitates-strengthened ferritic steels and excellent mechanical properties could be obtained by optimal combination of the size and the density of nanoclusters. In this study, the aging treatments with different time and temperatures are used to control the microstructure, size and density of nanophases. In addition, the distribution of the nanophases and dislocation pattern are observed. It is found that the strength shows an obvious transformation with the aging time and temperatures. However, the microstructures and ductility have not significantly changed with altering aging process. Furthermore, the relationship between the nature of nanophase and mechanical properties is discussed.