Effects of aging treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr25Ni35Nb and Cr35Ni45Nb furnace tube steel

Cr25Ni35Nb and Cr35Ni45Nb alloys are usually used in the ethylene cracking furnaces. However, premature failure of furnace tubes often occurs ahead of design life due to elevated temperature exposure conditions (1050-1100 °C) and aggressive service environment. Effects of exposure temperature and time on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr25Ni35Nb and Cr35Ni45Nb steel at aging temperature (1200 °C) with various exposure time were simulated different service times at 1050 °C. Change of mechanical properties at room temperature and elevated temperature (900 °C) of the aged Cr25Ni35Nb and Cr35Ni45Nb steel were investigated. Under exposure at 1200 °C, ultimate tensile and yield strength, elongation of Cr35Ni45Nb steel increase initially and then decrease, however, strength and ductility of Cr25Ni35Nb steel decrease with aging time increasing. Large amount of fine secondary carbide particles precipitated and dispersed in matrix of Cr35Ni45Nb steel, which increased strength and ductility for dispersion strengthening. However, the effect of the dispersion strengthening is weakened by needle-like secondary carbides. Strength and ductility decreased with fine secondary carbide particles growing. For Cr25Ni35Nb steel, few fine secondary carbide particles precipitated and dispersed in the matrix, and needle-like secondary carbides generated in the matrix, which causes strength and ductility decreased with aging time increasing.