Microstructure and mechanical properties of 15-5 PH stainless steel under different aging temperature

The influence of aging temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr15Ni5 precipitation hardening stainless steel (15-5 PH stainless steel) were investigated at aging temperature range of 440–610 °C. The tensile properties at ambient temperature of the 15-5 PH stainless steel processed by different aging temperatures were tested, and the microstructural features were further analyzed utilizing optical microscope (OM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Results indicated the strength of the 15-5 PH stainless steel was firstly decreased with increment of aging temperature from 440 to 540 °C, and then increased with the increment of aging temperature from 540 to 610 °C. The strength and ductility were well matched at aging temperature 470 °C, and the yield strength, tensile strength as well as elongation were determined to be 1170 MPa, 1240 MPa and 24%, respectively. The microstructures concerning to different aging temperatures were overall confirmed to be lath martensite. The strengthening mechanisms induced by dislocation density and the second phase precipitation of Cu-enriched metallic compound under different aging temperatures were determined to be the predominant strengthening mechanisms controlling the variation trend of mechanical properties corresponding to different aging temperatures with respect to 15-5 PH stainless steel.