TEMPERED MARTENSITE EMBRITTLEMENT

TEMPERED MARTENSITE EMBRITTLEMENT. Embrittlement of ultrahigh-strength steels caused by tempering in the temperature range of 205 to 400 degrees C (400 to 750 degrees F); also called 350 degrees C or 500 degrees F embrittlement. Tempered martensite embrittlement is thought to result from the combined effects of cementite precipitation on prior-austenite grain boundaries or interlath boundaries and the segregation of impurities at prior-austenite grain boundaries.