Strengthening mechanism of steels treated by barium-bearing alloys

The deoxidation, desulfurization, dephosphorization, microstructure, and mechanical properties of steels treated by barium-bearing alloys were investigated in laboratory and by industrial tests. The results show that barium takes part in the deoxidation reaction at the beginning of the experiments, generating oxide and sulfide compound inclusions, which easily float up from the molten steel, leading to the rapid reduction of total oxygen content to a very low level. The desulfurization and dephosphorization capabilities of calcium-bearing alloys increase with the addition of barium. The results of OM and SEM observations and mechanical property tests show that the structure of the steel treated by barium-bearing alloys is refined remarkably, the lamellar thickness of pearlitic structure decreases, and the pearlitic morphology shows clustering distribution. Less barium exists in steel substrate and the enrichment of barium-bearing precipitated phase mostly occurs in grain boundary and phase boundary, which can prevent the movement of grain boundary and dislocation during the heat treatment and the deformation processes. Therefore, the strength and toughness of barium-treated steels are improved by the effect of grain-boundary strengthening and nail-prick dislocation.     

Evaluation of the microstructure,secondary dendrite arm spacing,and mechanical properties of Al-Si alloy castings made in sand and Fe-Cr slag molds

The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast A356 (Al-Si) alloy castings were investigated. A356 alloy was cast into three different molds composed of sand, ferrochrome (Fe-Cr) slag, and a mixture of sand and Fe-Cr. A sodium silicate-CO₂ process was used to make the necessary molds. Cylindrical-shaped castings were prepared. Cast products with no porosity and a good surface finish were achieved in all of the molds. These castings were evaluated for their metallography, secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS), and mechanical properties, including hardness, compression, tensile, and impact properties. Furthermore, the tensile and impact samples were analyzed by fractography. The results show that faster heat transfer in the Fe-Cr slag molds than in either the silica sand or mixed molds led to lower SDAS values with a refined microstructure in the products cast in Fe-Cr slag molds. Consistent and enhanced mechanical properties were observed in the slag mold products than in the castings obtained from either sand or mixed molds. The fracture surface of the slag mold castings shows a dimple fracture morphology with a transgranular fracture nature. However, the fracture surfaces of the sand mold castings display brittle fracture. In conclusion, products cast in Fe-Cr slag molds exhibit an improved surface finish and enhanced mechanical properties compared to those of products cast in sand and mixed molds.     

Evaluation of the microstructure,secondary dendrite arm spacing,and mechanical properties of Al–Si alloy castings made in sand and Fe–Cr slag molds

The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast A356(Al–Si) alloy castings were investigated. A356 alloy was cast into three different molds composed of sand, ferrochrome(Fe–Cr) slag, and a mixture of sand and Fe–Cr. A sodium silicate–CO_2 process was used to make the necessary molds. Cylindrical-shaped castings were prepared. Cast products with no porosity and a good surface finish were achieved in all of the molds. These castings were evaluated for their metallography, secondary dendrite arm spacing(SDAS), and mechanical properties, including hardness, compression, tensile, and impact properties. Furthermore, the tensile and impact samples were analyzed by fractography. The results show that faster heat transfer in the Fe–Cr slag molds than in either the silica sand or mixed molds led to lower SDAS values with a refined microstructure in the products cast in Fe–Cr slag molds. Consistent and enhanced mechanical properties were observed in the slag mold products than in the castings obtained from either sand or mixed molds. The fracture surface of the slag mold castings shows a dimple fracture morphology with a transgranular fracture nature. However, the fracture surfaces of the sand mold castings display brittle fracture. In conclusion, products cast in Fe–Cr slag molds exhibit an improved surface finish and enhanced mechanical properties compared to those of products cast in sand and mixed molds.     

Microstructure of ultrahigh carbon martensite

Recent experimental investigations suggest that the martensite formed by quenching carbon steels(0.2–1.26 mass %C) are composed of twins and nanoscale ω particles in twin boundaries, rather than carbon supersaturated uniform solutions. In order to probe the microstructure of the martensite with ultrahigh carbon content, a novel strategy is employed in the present study to obtain ultrahigh carbon martensite(approximate2.1 mass %C) by quenching ductile cast iron. The microstructure of the martensite was intensively characterized by high resolution transmitting electron microscopy. It is indicated that the microstructure of the ultrahigh carbon martensites is composed of ultrafine {112} 111 -type twins and high-density nano-scaled ω particles embedded in twin boundaries. These ω nanoparticles in twin boundaries could remarkably impede the deformation of the movement of the nanotwins in martensites, leading to poor ductility and strength of the quenched ductile cast iron. These findings not only reveal the substructures of ultrahigh carbon martensite, but also enhance the understanding of the mechanical behavior of high carbon steels and ductile cast irons.     

Development of a new coated electrode with low nickel content for welding ductile iron and its response to austempering

Coated Electrodes with small amounts of nickel were developed for welding ductile iron (DI) and conversion of the same into austempered ductile iron (ADI) after austempering. Among six electrodes, Trials 3 and 4 were selected for establishing crack-free weld deposits via preheating and post-weld heat treatment. Austenitization was performed at 900℃ for 2 h and austempering at 300 or 350℃ for three different holding times to observe the results of austempering with respect to the microstructure, hardness, and austempering kinetics of the samples. The microstructures of the weld deposits showed needle-like bainitic ferrite with small amounts of retained austenite when treated at 300℃ and feathery bainitic ferrite with large amounts of retainedaustenite when treated at 350℃. The electrode labeled with Trial 3 revealed greater austenite contents than that labeled with Trial 4 when treated with a 2 h holding time regardless of the austempering temperature applied. The transformation rate of the bainitic ferrite of Trial 3 was relatively higher than that of Trial 4 and showed a lower rate constant, leading to a higher diffusion rate of carbon in austenite.     

Effect of scanning speed during PTA remelting treatment on the microstructure and wear resistance of nodular cast iron

The surface of nodular cast iron (NCI) with a ferrite substrate was rapidly remelted and solidified by plasma transferred arc (PTA) to induce a chilled structure with high hardness and favorable wear resistance. The effect of scanning speed on the microstructure, microhardness distribution, and wear properties of PTA-remelted specimens was systematically investigated. Microstructural characterization indicated that the PTA remelting treatment could dissolve most graphite nodules and that the crystallized primary austenite dendrites were transformed into cementite, martensite, an interdendritic network of ledeburite eutectic, and certain residual austenite during rapid solidification. The dimensions of the remelted zone and its dendrites increase with decreased scanning speed. The microhardness of the remelted zone varied in the range of 650 HV_0.2 to 820 HV_0.2, which is approximately 2.3–3.1 times higher than the hardness of the substrate. The wear resistance of NCI was also significantly improved after the PTA remelting treatment.     

Microstructure evolution of Al-4Cu-Mg alloy during semi-solid treatment

The microstructure of a cold-deformed Al-4Cu-Mg alloy during semi-solid treatment was investigated, which shows that grain detachment and grain spheroidization processes during the semi-solid treatment are very important to control the fabricated semi-solid microstructures. For the two different processes, the driving force comes from the external heat source and the reduction in total interfacial area, respectively. The evolution models of microstructure morphology in the two processes were presented based on microstructure observations. It can be found that these models are useful to provide a reasonable estimated critical time of the evolution of microstructure during the semi-solid treatment.     

Effects of aging treatment and heat input on the microstructures and mechanical properties of TIG-welded 6061-T6 alloy joints

Aging treatment and various heat input conditions were adopted to investigate the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of TIG welded 6061-T6 alloy joints by microstructural observations, microhardness tests, and tensile tests. With an increase in heat input, the width of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) increases and grains in the fusion zone (FZ) coarsen. Moreover, the hardness of the HAZ decreases, whereas that of the FZ decreases initially and then increases with an increase in heat input. Low heat input results in the low ultimate tensile strength of the welded joints due to the presence of partial penetrations and pores in the welded joints. After a simple artificial aging treatment at 175℃ for 8 h, the microstructure of the welded joints changes slightly. The mechanical properties of the welded joints enhance significantly after the aging process as few precipitates distribute in the welded seam.     

The Microstructure of Graphite Spherulites in Cast Iron

The microstructure of graphite spherulites (G.S.) in Ce addition ductile cast iron was carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The structral characterization of the graphites is as following: there are platelets growing along the periphery as well as fan-like structure formed from platelet aggregates in the diameter section of spherulite, in which most of the platelets are with sizes ranging from several to tens nm in radial; the [001] direction of the platelets would have a tend to parallel to radial of the G. S. and meanwhile, they also a small misorientation deviated from the radial among the platelets each other. It shows that the anisotropy of graphites has been restrained by adding Ce element in cast iron and the structural characterization of the G. S. is consistent with the Double' s model of the conical helixes formed in helical growing and branching.     

Austempering of hot rolled transformation-induced plasticity steels

Thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) was conducted by using a laboratory hot rolling mill. Austempering in the salt bath after hot rolling was investigated. The effect of isothermal holding time on mechanical properties was studied through examining of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the specimens. The mechanism of transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) was discussed. The results show that the microstructure of these steels consists of polygonal ferrite, granular bainite, and a significant amount of stable retained austenite. Strain-induced transformation to martensite of retained austenite and TRIP occur in the hot rolled Si-Mn TRIP steels. Excellent mechanical properties were obtained for various durations at 400℃. Prolonged holding led to cementite precipitation, which destabilized the austenite. The mechanical properties were optimal when the specimen was held for 25 min, and the tensile strength, total elongation, and strength ductility balance reached the maximum values of 776 MPa, 33%, and 25608 MPa.%, respectively.     

Effect of spheroidization of cementite in ductile cast iron

The research aims to provide an alternative to austempering treatment of ductile cast iron with a simple and cost-effective heat-treatment process. This goal was accomplished by applying a simple one-step spheroidization heat treatment to the as-cast ductile iron, which would normally possess a coarse pearlitic microstructure to a significant extent. Spheroidization experiments involving isothermal holding below the lower critical temperature(A1) were conducted followed by standard mechanical testing and microstructural characterization for an experimental ductile iron. After improving the spheroidization holding time at a given temperature, the work shows that the ductility and toughness of an as-cast ductile iron can be improved by 90% and 40%, respectively, at the cost of reducing the tensile strength by 8%. Controlled discretization of the continuous cementite network in pearlitic matrix of the ductile iron is deemed responsible for the improved properties. The work also shows that prolonged holding time during spheroidization heat treatment leads to degradation of mechanical properties due to the inhomogenous microstructure formation caused by heterogeneous decomposition and cementite clustering in the material. The main outcome of this work is the demonstration of ductile cast iron's necking behavior due to spheroidization heat treatment.     

铸态QT550-7球墨铸铁制备及组织研究

为了研究铸态QT550-7球墨铸铁组织,铁液凝固过程及石墨球化机理,用回炉铁、生铁、废碳钢、球化剂、孕育剂等材料,采用双联熔炼法制备了球墨铸铁.经测试,化学成分和力学性能满足QT550-7球墨铸铁要求,球墨铸铁组织由铁素体+珠光体+球状石墨组成,凝固过程为糊状凝固.     

铸态奥－贝球铁的抗汽蚀性

介绍了铸态奥－贝球铁的制取方法及其组织和性能。并研究了铸态奥－贝球铁抗汽蚀特性。实验表明，铸态奥－贝球铁的抗汽蚀性能比普通球铁高出约３倍，Ｎｉ，Ｍｏ，Ｃｕ和Ｂ等元素对铸态奥－贝球铁的组织、机械性能及抗汽蚀性都起着十分重要的作用，保留在室温的奥氏体组织有着良好的抗汽蚀性．     

含As、Sn、Pb、Ti球墨铸铁的热处理

探讨了１０种热处理工艺对含Ａｓ、Ｓｎ、Ｐｂ、Ｔｉ球墨铸铁试样抗拉强度及延伸率的影响．结果表明：含Ａｓ、Ｓｎ、Ｐｂ、Ｔｉ球墨铸铁采用低温部分奥氏体化正火处理,可以获得较佳的综合力学性能;高温退火有利于其综合力学性能的提高;在共析转变温度上、下波动加热－－冷却的珠光体球化处理是改善其韧性的有效措施．     

铸态珠光体球铁QT800-2的研制与应用

本文研究了化学成分、冶金因素和合金元素对珠光体QT800-2的组织、性能的影响;优选出这种球铁最佳化学成分和相应的冶金工艺。热处理可以作为性能指标不合格时的补救措施。试验结果表明,在一般铸造条件下获得铸态珠光体QT800-2的要点是严格控制碳当量,优选好铜和钼等合金元素的配比及冶金工艺。     

二次孕育及终硅量对铸态铁素体球墨铸铁组织性能的影响

将铸态球墨铸铁经退火处理生产铁素体球墨铸铁的工艺复杂、周期长。本研究进行了调整终硅量及釆用二次瞬时孕育处理工艺直接得到铸态铁素体球墨铸铁的试验。结果表明,釆用稀土镁球化剂和硅铁孕育剂,对铁液进行立即孕育、立即浇注的瞬时孕育处理,并控制终硅量为2.95%~2.99%,可直接获得铁素体球墨铸铁,石墨球径仅为0.019~0.017mm,球化级别提高至3~2级,铁素体量多达88.4%~94.7%,力学性能完全达到国家标准。     

球铁热浸渗铝工艺及渗铝球铁耐热性能的研究

本文对球墨铸铁的热浸渗铝工艺和渗铝球铁的耐热性能进行了研究。实验结果表明:采用热浸渗铝工艺可较大幅度地提高球铁的抗氧化和抗生长能力;由于铸铁成分和组织上的特点,其热浸渗铝工艺与低碳钢有所不同。     

奥氏体-贝氏体球墨铸铁的组织和性能

本文研究了一种新型球铁,即高强度、高韧性奥氏体-贝氏体球铁。通过正交试验选择热处理参数,并进一步考察了不同等温淬火温度和时间对组织和性能的影响。为了考察奥氏体-贝氏体球铁的可靠性和使用寿命,还进行了延性断裂韧度与接触疲劳性能的试验。实验结果表明,奥氏体-贝氏体球铁具有很好的断裂韧性和接触疲劳强度。本文还探讨了奥氏体-贝氏体球铁性能优异的原因。     

低温石墨化退火对低钼、低镍球墨铸铁组织和力学性能的影响

对含钼0.25%,含镍0.2%~0.8%的球墨铸铁进行低温石墨化退火,测试了其力学性能,并对显微组织和冲击断口进行观察和分析.结果表明:添加少量钼和镍后铸态球墨铸铁中铁素体含量增加,冲击韧度提高50%以上,强度和硬度下降;进行低温石墨化退火后球墨铸铁中珠光体逐渐转变成铁素体,与铸态相比冲击韧度有大幅度提高,冲击吸收功最多增加500%,冲击断口存在较多的撕裂岭和少量韧窝;此外,添加钼和镍后,不同的退火工艺下试样的力学性能参数比较稳定,波动小.     

GCr15钢球化退火新工艺的研究

主要研究了奥氏体化加热温度和奥氏体化保温时间对GCr15钢的球化组织的影响。分析得出GCr15钢最佳的球化退火工艺为：在790℃保温3 h然后在720℃保温3 h。GCr15钢在该工艺条件下获得的碳化物颗粒细小、分布均匀、硬度适当,大大缩短了球化退火时间,节约了能源。