Grain boundary microchemistry and metallurgical characterization of Euroferʹ97 after simulated service conditions

The aim of this paper is to describe the microstructural investigations, the mechanical properties (hardness, tensile and charpy) and the grain boundary microchemistry studied by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), of the Euroferʹ97 steel aged in the range of temperatures from 400 to 600 °C up to 10 000 h. After these thermal aging treatments the steel showed a high microstructural stability, and similar values of hardness, ultimate tensile strength and 0.2% proof stress regardless of the material condition. A slight DBTT increase was observed in the material aged at 600 °C for 5000 and 10 000 h. The Auger results showed chromium enrichment at grain boundaries in all material conditions. In addition, phosphorus was detected at the grain boundaries after the aging treatments at 500 °C.