Effect of zirconium on inclusions and mechanical properties of China low activation martensitic steel
Guo-xing Qiu1, Dong-ping Zhan2, Lei Cao3, Hui-shu Zhang4
1 School of Metallurgical Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, Shaanxi, China;
2 School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, Liaoning, China; 3
Materials Engineering Department, Hebei College of Industry and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China; 4
School of Metallurgy Engineering, Liaoning Institute of Science and Technology, Benxi 117004, Liaoning, China
Effect of zirconium on inclusions and mechanical properties of China low activation martensitic steel
Guo-xing Qiu1, Dong-ping Zhan2, Lei Cao3, Hui-shu Zhang4
1 School of Metallurgical Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, Shaanxi, China;
2 School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, Liaoning, China;
3 Materials Engineering Department, Hebei College of Industry and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China;
4 School of Metallurgy Engineering, Liaoning Institute of Science and Technology, Benxi 117004, Liaoning, China
摘要 The effects of 0.01–0.11 wt.% Zr on the inclusions, microstructure, tensile properties, and impact toughness of the China low activation martensitic steel were investigated. Results showed that Zr exhibits good deoxidation and desulfurization abilities. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the inclusions in the ingots. The main inclusions in the alloys were Zr–Ta–O, Zr–O, and Zr–O–S. However, some blocky Zr-rich inclusions appeared in Zr-2 and Zr-3 alloys. Typical martensitic structures were observed in the alloys, and average prior austenite grain sizes of 21.1, 15.7, and 14.8 μm were obtained for Zr-1, Zr-2, and Zr-3 steels, respectively. However, increasing Zr content of the steels deteriorated their mechanical property, owing to the blocky inclusions. The alloy with 0.01% Zr resulted in excellent mechanical properties due to the fine inclusions and the precipitation of Zr3V3C carbides. Values of 576 and 682 MPa were obtained for the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of Zr-1 alloy, respectively. Furthermore, the ductile–brittle transition temperature of the alloy decreased to - 85 °C.
Abstract：The effects of 0.01–0.11 wt.% Zr on the inclusions, microstructure, tensile properties, and impact toughness of the China low activation martensitic steel were investigated. Results showed that Zr exhibits good deoxidation and desulfurization abilities. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the inclusions in the ingots. The main inclusions in the alloys were Zr–Ta–O, Zr–O, and Zr–O–S. However, some blocky Zr-rich inclusions appeared in Zr-2 and Zr-3 alloys. Typical martensitic structures were observed in the alloys, and average prior austenite grain sizes of 21.1, 15.7, and 14.8 μm were obtained for Zr-1, Zr-2, and Zr-3 steels, respectively. However, increasing Zr content of the steels deteriorated their mechanical property, owing to the blocky inclusions. The alloy with 0.01% Zr resulted in excellent mechanical properties due to the fine inclusions and the precipitation of Zr3V3C carbides. Values of 576 and 682 MPa were obtained for the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of Zr-1 alloy, respectively. Furthermore, the ductile–brittle transition temperature of the alloy decreased to - 85 °C.
Guo-xing Qiu,Dong-ping Zhan,Lei Cao, et al. Effect of zirconium on inclusions and mechanical properties of China low activation martensitic steel[J]. Journal of Iron and Steel Research International, 2021, 28(9): 1168-1179.
2021, Vol. 28 
