Effect Of Long-Term Aging Degradation On Magnetic Properties Of Ferritic 11cr Low-Carbon Steel

The effect of long-term aging degradation on magnetic properties of ferritic 11Cr low-carbon steel was investigated. Coercivity and hysteresis loss measured from the hysteresis loops decreased with long-term aging time and showed that the relation was well fitted by a second order exponential function. Vickers hardness also decreased with aging time and resulted in mechanical softening. In addition, the microstructural evolution was observed by the scanning electron microscopy, backscattered electron image and X-ray diffraction. The Cr23C6 precipitates along grain boundary grew fast and Laves (Fe2W) phase on martensitic lath boundaries in interior grains was developed. The solid solution atoms depleted in matrix and lath subgrains recovered owing to precipitate coarsening with long-term aging degradation. There was a close relation with softening of magnetic and mechanical properties.