Effect of Normalizing–Tempering Temperatures on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Boron-Added Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel
摘要
This study examines the influence of normalizing and tempering temperatures on the tensile strength and fracture toughness of boron-added modified 9Cr-1Mo (P91) steel. The tensile behavior of specimens normalized at 1000 and 1100 °C, followed by tempering at 650 °C and 760 °C, was systematically evaluated across the temperature range of 25 °C to 600 °C. Three distinct temperature regimes were identified, each governed by different mechanisms affecting tensile properties. All samples exhibited a gradual reduction in strength up to intermediate temperatures, followed by a pronounced decline at higher temperatures. Dynamic strain aging was observed between 200 °C and 400 °C. Increasing the normalizing temperature from 1000 °C to 1100 °C produced marginal reductions in strength and ductility, while incomplete tempering at 650 °C enhanced strength. Fracture toughness was estimated using empirical correlations derived from tensile data and validated experimentally at 25 °C and 550 °C for a sample normalized at 1000 °C and tempered at 760 °C. The close agreement between predicted and measured values confirms the reliability of the estimation approach. Overall, the findings suggest that a heat treatment combination of 1100 °C normalization and 650 °C tempering provides optimal tensile strength and fracture toughness, with potential benefits for creep resistance and mitigation of Type IV cracking.