AbstractThe influence of the parameters of an additional tempering at 600°C on temper embrittlement in quenched and previously double tempered 5 wt-%Cr tool steel having a post-martensitic microstructure was investigated. A detailed examination of associated changes of fracture mechanism, microstructure, and precipitate was carried out. The dominant factor controlling the evolution of brittleness was the segregation of phosphorus to prior grain and lath boundaries as well as to martensite lath/carbide interfaces. The segregation effect of phosphorus at these interfaces was accompanied by cosegregation of sulphur and silicon together with simultaneous carbide precipitation.MST/1132