Optimalization of Tempering Temperature of 9CrNB Steel in Železiarne Podbrezová Steelworks

This paper deals with the optimalization of tempering temperature of 9CrNB steel in Zeleziarne Podbrezova Steelworks, where hot-rolled tubes were produced with dimensions of 88.9 x 12.51 mm. Austenitising at 1070°C/12m/hr was carried out after rolling, and samples were subsequently tempered at 790°C, 760°C and 720°C/4m/hr. The results of testing the mechanical properties show that only tempering at 790°C fulfilled all of the mechanical properties requirements (Rp0,2, Rm, A5, HBW, KV2). The mechanical properties of grade P92 were used for comparison with 9CrNB mechanical properties, according to the relevant standard of STN EN 10216-2+A2. Yield strength requirements (Rp0,2) were also fulfilled in the temperature range from 100 to 600 °C. Microstructural analysis showed that tempering at 720°C, and also at 760°C does not lead to the complete tempering of martensite microstructure. We observed segregation of secondary phases at the grain boundary, but cementite films between individual laths did not coagulate to form carbide phases. By tempering at 790°C the intensity of formation of carbide phases, coagulation and growth of carbide phases is very high and leads to disintegration of laths. Despite satisfactory results, theoretical studies with respect to the selected chemical composition of 9CrNB steel show that to achieve sufficient dissolution of carbide or nitride phases (especially BN), it is necessary to use high temperature austenitization up to about 1200°C, followed by tempering below Ac1.