Study of anisothermal phase transformations of an X40Cr13 high-carbon martensitic steel

Both anisothermal phase and microconstituents transformation experienced in the solid state by an X40Cr13 high-carbon martensitic stainless steel are studied in order to know the characteristics which that steel can achieve through heat treatment. The determination of continuous heating and cooling transformation diagrams and the analysis and evaluations of the effects of different structural and thermal factors on the transformation mechanisms allow rigorously defining the thermal cycles to be applied to this material when certain structure and final properties are to be obtained.