Effect of Cu Addition on Mechanical Properties of Tempered Martensitic Steels: Retardation of Fatigue Crack Initiation by Cu Precipitation

ISIJ International 2026 Open access

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Authors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Kazuki Matsubara, Junya Tobata, Yoshiyasu Kawasaki, Yasunobu Nagataki
DOI: 10.2355/isijinternational.isijint-2025-295
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of copper (Cu) addition on the bending fatigue strength of lath martensite, focusing on dislocation structures, Cu precipitates, and crack initiation sites. Steel specimens with varying Cu contents of 0, 1, 2, and 4 mass% were prepared and tempered at 523 K or 723 K. Fatigue tests revealed that Cu addition significantly enhances fatigue strength, particularly at 723 K, where the 4Cu steel (4 mass% Cu) exhibited superior performance compared to the 0Cu steel (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Steels Fatigue and fracture mechanics High Temperature Alloys and Creep

Publication details

Journal / source
ISIJ International
Volume
66
Issue
4
Pages
581–589
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN