Abstract
Changes in the microstructural stability, chemical composition, size, and morphology of secondary phases during ageing of the austenitic 17 341 steel at 650-950 °C up to 300 h are investigated in the present work. To determine above enumerated parameters, methods of light and transmission electron microscopies including EDX-analysis and electron diffraction were used.
In the studied steel particles of M₂₃C₆, M₆C, MX, σ, and Laves phases were identified. The triangular, square-shaped, and lath particles of the M₂₃C₆ carbide were found at grain boundaries. It was shown that the Cr/Fe ratio in particles of the same carbide increases with increasing the ageing time (temperature). The time-temperature diagram characterizing changes in size of intergranular particles during ageing was constructed.

Key words
microstructure, steel particles of M₂₃C₆, M₆C, MX, σ, and Laves phases, ageing, austenitic 17 341 steel, EDX-analysis, electron diffraction

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