Effect of tempering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties in mooring chain steel

The tensile behavior of a mooring chain steel was investigated after tempering at 560 °C, 600 °C, 640 °C temperatures. With increasing tempering temperature, the steel displayed not only a decrease in strength, but also a slight increase in strain-hardening ability between the proof and ultimate stress. In the meantime, an upper yield point appeared at 640 °C tempered samples. The susceptibility to hydrogen-induced embrittlement reduced on the...