Effect of aging temperature on corrosion resistance and antibacterial ability of 0Cu2Cr carbon steel

Abstract

The effect of heat treatment on the corrosion resistance and antibacterial ability of 0Cu2Cr carbon steel was studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and electrochemistry. The results showed that the peak aging state with complete crystal growth and uniform precipitate phase distribution was attained at the aging temperature of 850°C. Both the Cu‐rich phase with an approximately spherical structure and the dispersive Cu‐ordered phase with a B2 structure were observed in the grain boundary and internal crystal and effectively improved the hardness of the steel because of precipitation strengthening. Thus, the corrosion resistance and antibacterial ability of the 0Cu2Cr carbon steel could be improved by aging it at 850°C.