Which material is most prone to temper embrittlement?

Which material is most prone to temper embrittlement?

• A. Carbon steel
• B. High nickel alloys
• C. Low chromes
• D. Stainless steel

Answer: (C)

Temper embrittlement primarily affects low-alloy steels, particularly those containing a lower percentage of chromium and molybdenum, which can become brittle when exposed to specific temperature ranges during processing. This phenomenon generally occurs when steel is held at elevated temperatures, typically between 400°F and 1200°F (204°C to 649°C), where certain microstructural changes take place, leading to a decrease in toughness and ductility. Low chrome steels are particularly susceptible due to their composition, which does not provide the same resistance to embrittlement as higher alloyed materials. In contrast, other materials listed, such as carbon steel, high nickel alloys, and stainless steel, either have different properties that make them more resistant to temper embrittlement or do not typically experience this issue under similar conditions. Understanding temper embrittlement is crucial for pressure vessel inspection, particularly to prevent catastrophic failures due to loss of integrity in components that are critical to operations.

Temper embrittlement primarily affects low-alloy steels, particularly those containing a lower percentage of chromium and molybdenum, which can become brittle when exposed to specific temperature ranges during processing. This phenomenon generally occurs when steel is held at elevated temperatures, typically between 400°F and 1200°F (204°C to 649°C), where certain microstructural changes take place, leading to a decrease in toughness and ductility.

Low chrome steels are particularly susceptible due to their composition, which does not provide the same resistance to embrittlement as higher alloyed materials. In contrast, other materials listed, such as carbon steel, high nickel alloys, and stainless steel, either have different properties that make them more resistant to temper embrittlement or do not typically experience this issue under similar conditions.

Understanding temper embrittlement is crucial for pressure vessel inspection, particularly to prevent catastrophic failures due to loss of integrity in components that are critical to operations.