INFLUENCE OF BANDED STRUCTURE ON THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF A HIGH-STRENGTH MARAGING-STEEL

Chemical inhomogeneity results in the formation of banded structure in high-strength maraging steels, Segregation of titanium and molybdenum was found to be the primary cause of banded structure formation, When the concentrations of these elements increased beyond certain critica l levels, bands comprising different grain sizes formed, The inclusion s existed preferentially along the interface of the bands, A high-temp erature homogenization treatment substantially reduced or eliminated t he banded structure, The large grain size resulting from the homogeniz ation treatment was subsequently reduced by a grain refinement treatme nt, The mechanical properties of the steel substantially improved foll owing homogenization and grain refinement.