Effect of normalizing temperature on the strengthening mechanisms of the advanced Re-containing 10 %Cr steel with low N and high B contents

The effect of different normalizing temperature ranging from 1050 to 1200 & DEG;C on the structure and tensile properties of the Re-containing 10 %Cr steel was investigated. 1100 & DEG;C normalizing with following tempering at 770 & DEG;C provides + 10% increments in both yield strength and ultimate tensile strength compared with other normalizing temperatures. Tempering equalizes strengthening contributions due to laths, dislocations and alloying elements in matrix after all normalizing temperatures. Improvement in tensile strength after 1100 & DEG;C normalizing is caused by change in the dispersion of M23C6 carbides and NbX carbonitrides that increases particle strengthening by 29%.