Effect of the structural state on the cold brittleness and fracture toughness of low-alloyed molybdenum

We investigate the effects of the chemical and phase compositions of grain boundaries and the state of an excess phase on the fracture toughness, cold brittleness, and strength of low-alloyed molybdenum by the methods of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy. The structural state of the material was changed without changing grain sizes by annealing in various modes at different temperatures. It was shown that the level of segregation of interstitials on grain boundaries is determined by both the annealing temperature and distinctive features of the evolution of excess phases. Embrittlement of grain boundaries results in a decrease in the strength and fracture toughness of the material and in an increase in its temperature of cold brittleness. In the case of transcrystalline fracture, the material exhibits better mechanical properties correlated with distinctive features of the evolution of excess phases inside the grains.