Abstract
The 13% Cr 0.2%C steel is extensively used in OCTG application. This steel was examined in the double hardened condition at 1040°C/OQ followed by 980°C/OQ as against conventional hardening treatment at 980°C/OQ. It was observed that the double hardening heat treatment resulted in higher carbon dissolution in the matrix without any residual grain boundary necklace carbides while single hardening at 980°C shows remnant grain boundary carbide. Double hardening heat treatment was found to refine the grain size by recrystallization of the defects introduced in first hardening. During double tempering heat treatment, the carbides in the 980°C treatment were coarse and found to nucleate along grain boundary. The double hardened sample on tempering showed an even distribution of carbide throughout without grain boundary carbide. The double hardened sample show improved strength and toughness compared to the single hardened sample at similar tempering conditions. The microstructural analyses at various stages of processing have been correlated to the mechanical properties obtained.
