Influence of titanium on the phase composition and deformability of high boron steels

Abstract

The phase composition of chromium-nickel steel with 3–3.5% boron, alloyed with titanium, as well as its hot deformability, were studied by methods of metallographic, x-ray diffraction, and electrochemical analyses. The introduction of titanium leads to the formation of the boride TiB₂ and to a decrease in the amount and volume of the boride phase, while in the case of an excess of titanium- to the formation of an intermetallic compound of the type of a χ-phase. During heat treatment, the intermetallic compound may be dissolved, resulting in a decrease in the volume of the brittle component in the alloy and an increase in its deformability. Alloys containing 3–3.5% boron and 8–9% titanium are rolled after heat treatment with degrees of reduction up to 40%.