Effect of Pre-deformation on Nanoscale Precipitation and Hardness of a Maraging Stainless Steel

The effect of pre-deformation on nanoscale precipitates and hardness a maraging stainless steel strengthened by the co-precipitation Ni3Ti, Mo-enriched Cr-enriched was systematically studied using electron back scattered diffraction, transmission microscopy atom probe tomography (APT). Hardness measurements showed that specimen with deformation ratio 90% peaked at HV 718 aged for 24 h, which is higher than in undeformed (HV 603) 72 h 480 °C. APT characterization revealed could shorten incubation time precipitates. At early-aged stage, increased stain energy inhibited nucleation Ni3Ti precipitates, but accelerated rejection Mo from Ni–Ti clusters. Besides, strengthening model indicated strain hardening (43%) makes larger contribution to condition, while precipitation (58%) has most peak-aged conditition.