The Effect of Service on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HR3C Heat-Resistant Austenitic Stainless Steel

The physical metallurgical tests were performed on the test samples made of HR3C steel, taken from a section of a pipeline in the as-received condition and after approximately 26,000 h of service at 550 °C. In the as-received condition, the test material had austenitic microstructure with numerous large primary Z-phase precipitates inside the grains. The service of the test steel mainly contributed to the precipitation processes inside the grains and at the grain boundaries. After service, the following precipitates were identified in the microstructure of the test steel: Z-phase (NbCrN) and M23C6 carbides. The Z-phase precipitates were observed inside the grains, whereas M23C6 carbides - at the boundaries where they formed the so-called continuous grid. The service of the test steel contributed to the growth of the strength properties, determined both at room and elevated temperature (550, 600 °C), compared to the as-received condition. Moreover, the creep properties of HR3C steel after service were higher than those of the material in the as-received condition. The increase in the strength properties and creep resistance was connected with the growth of strengthening of the test steel by the precipitation of Z-phase and M23C6 carbides.