Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of SUS 630 Stainless Steel: Effects of Age Hardening in a Tin Bath and Atmospheric Environments

This study investigates the solution-aging treatment of precipitation-hardening SUS 630 stainless steel, alongside an analysis of the carbon emissions generated by the energy consumed during aging treatments. By employing atmospheric and liquid tin as aging media, the research comprehensively explores the effects of aging treatments on the characteristics of 630 stainless steel. The maximum hardness value for the 630 stainless steel was observed after atmospheric aging at 500 °C for 1 h. The given 630 stainless steel obtained its maximum hardness value after atmospheric aging at 500 °C for 1 h, indicating that the formation of secondary precipitates strengthens the steel’s performance. By leveraging the intrinsic characteristics of liquid tin, using it as an aging medium (Sn bath aging) significantly improves the efficiency of the aging process, achieving mechanical properties comparable to those of atmosphere-aged steel. The 630 stainless steel aged in a Sn bath exhibited a refined martensitic matrix with substantial precipitate formation, contributing to superior impact toughness and dynamic fatigue resistance. With an equivalent mass and performance, Sn bath aging notably reduced the duration of the treatment compared to atmospheric aging, leading to substantial energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. The Sn bath treatment, recognized in metallurgical science and heat treatment for its excellent thermal conductivity and recyclability, shows potential to enhance process efficiency and enable low carbon emissions in the heat treatment industry. By highlighting the differences between aging methods, this study provides solutions for optimizing heat treatment processes and thereby achieving industrial advancement and sustainability goals.