Microstructural Response of Rapidly Solidified 304 Stainless Steel Powder to Three Consolidation Techniques

摘要

Some of the characteristics of rapidly solidified metals, such as reduced chemical segregation and extremely fine grain size, can result in improved material properties and performance. However, these same characteristics present a challenge to the metallographer examining the microstructures of these materials, and frequently more than one technique is required to characterize the features present. This paper describes the vastly different microstructure produced in centrifugally atomized 304 stainless steel powder after consolidation by three different processes: hot isostatic pressing, extrusion, and explosive consolidation. Characterization of microstructural features depended upon a combination of optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron techniques. (ERA citation 12:016269)