Microstructure and crack resistance of low carbon Cr-Ni and Cr-Ni-W steel after austempering

The microstructure of the low carbon Cr-Ni steel after slow cooling from austenization temperature represents a mix of granulated bainite with islands from carbon-rich martensite and carbon-poor austenite. After quick cooling throwing in salt bath from austenization temperature the microstructure is lath bainite. However, in the same treatment conditions, the microstructure of the low carbon Cr-Ni-W steel is different — clusters consist from lath ferrite and retained austenite, disposed in the frame of parent’s austenite grains. The cooling velocity has no effect upon the structure making. The impact toughness of the steel with tungsten content is bigger than the steel without tungsten.