Effect of quenching temperature on sulfide stress cracking behavior of martensitic steel

A medium-carbon Cr-Mo-V martensitic steel was quenched at a decreased temperature from 1200° to 900°C and tempered at an identical temperature of 700 °C, thus provided with an enhanced KISSC value. The effect of quenching temperature, Tq, on the sulfide stress cracking (SSC) behaviors was estimated via the double cantilever beam (DCB) and the electrochemical hydrogen permeation (EHP) tests, and the microstructure characterizations. The results indicate that, as the Tq decreased, the overall and local hydrogen concentration around the inclusions decreased, owing to the decreased solute atoms and dislocation density, therefore preventing the SSC initiation. Moreover, the martensitic microstructure were refined and the fraction of the high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) increased with the decreased Tq, thus decreasing the SSC propagation rate by diverting more frequently the propagating direction and further hindering the SSC propagation. The overall SSC resistance of this martensitic steel was therefore significantly enhanced. [Display omitted] •Decreased quenching temp decreased solute atoms and dislocation density.•Decreased solute atoms and dislocation density reduced diffusible H and prevented SSC initiation.•Decreased quenching temp refined martensitic microstructure with high angle boundaries.•Refined martensitic microstructure with high angle boundaries prevented SSC propagation.•Decreased quenching temp prevented SSC initiation & propagation, thus enhancing SSC resistance.