Previously unknown splitting phenomena were detected in the martensitic transformation of XCrl3 and XCrMoV14 stainless steels using high resolution dilatometric analysis. These splittings, which are denominatedM S0 in this article, indicate the martensitic subtransformation of areas of austenite rich in carbon and carbide-forming elements. In contrast to other types of splitting known until now, theM S0 occur in the absence of carbide precipitation during cooling. From the experimental results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the splittings resulted from concentration gradients produced in the austenite as a consequence of the partial or total dissolution of M23C6 carbides during heating.

Peer reviewed