The identification of a silicide phase and its crystallographic orientation to ferrite within a complex stainless steel

Recently, a high-hardness intermetallic phase, named π-ferrosilicide, has been identified within a stainless steel alloy intended to replace Co-based hardfacings within pressurised water reactors. The present study explores the evolution and relationship of the π-ferrosilicide and ferrite phases after a hot isostatic pressing cycle, compared to a cast π-ferrosilicide microstructure. Electron backscatter diffraction is used to identify two orientation relationships between the π-ferrosilicide and ferrite phases. Due to variant selection and growth of the interdendritic π-ferrosilicide within the gas-atomised hardfacing alloy powder, a microtexture develops within this phase with potential implications for the mechanical properties of the alloy.