Effect of carbon and niobium on the microstructure and impact toughness of a high silicon 12% Cr ferritic/martensitic heat resistant steel

In order to guide the design of 9–12% Cr ferritic/martensitic (F/M) heat resistant steels appropriate for use in accelerator-driven system, the impact toughness and behavior of precipitation of a 12% Cr F/M heat resistant steel containing high C and Si concentrations have been investigated. Particular focus has been given to the interaction of carbon and carbonitride-forming element. Because of the presence of primary NbC and a large amount of M23C6, the impact toughness of the investigated steel was much lower than that of the commercial 9–12% Cr F/M heat resistant steels. The primary NbC crystallizes directly from liquid metal when the Nb concentration is higher than a critical value. The critical value of Nb decreases with increase in the carbon concentration. In addition, the higher content and faster precipitation kinetics of M23C6 in the investigated steel during the tempering heat treatment also lowers the impact toughness.