Effect of Ni and Nb concentration on microstructural evolution in a 20Cr ferritic alloy strengthened by Ni₁₆Nb₆Si₇-G phase

The effects of Nb and Ni contents on the precipitation of the Ni₁₆Nb₆Si₇-G phase and the resulting hardening behavior in Fe–20Cr ferritic alloys were systematically investigated using micro-hardness, electron microscopy, and atom probe techniques. The results demonstrate that an optimal Nb content of ∼0.75 wt. % promotes the precipitation of the Ni₁₆Nb₆Si₇-G phase, leading to a maximum micro-hardness of approximately 430 H V when aged at 560 °C for 24 h. Excess Nb content (>0.75 wt. %) introduces the Fe₂Nb-Laves phase at grain boundaries and within the grains, which competes with the G-phase for precipitation. Conversely, an increase in Ni content effectively raises the dissolution temperature of the Ni₁₆Nb₆Si₇-G phase to approximately 850 °C. The austenite phase begins to form when the Ni content exceeds 4 wt. %. Finally, the strengthening effect of the Ni₁₆Nb₆Si₇-G phase and its underlying competition precipitation with the Fe₂Nb-Laves phase as well as the possible benefit of inducing austenite phase was discussed in the context of developing 20Cr ferritic alloys with high strength and good ductility. These findings provide valuable insights into the influence of Nb and Ni contents on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the newly developed 20Cr alloy, which may be helpful in guiding the design of high performance ferritic alloys by optimizing composition and heat treatment processes.