Evidence for NbCN precipitation in undeformed austenite

Abstract

Recent papers have highlighted the difficulties involved in determining the kinetics of NbCN precipitation in microalloyed steels. It is well documented that hot deformation of the austenite promotes NbCN precipitation, although it is surprising how little is known about the kinetics in the absence of deformation. Thus it is generally accepted that precipitation of NbCN in such cases is sluggish and may be discounted, especially at higher temperatures. The present results indicate otherwise.