Effect of vanadium and chromium on the microstructural features of V-Cr-Mn-Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons

The objective of this investigation is to study the influence of vanadium (5.0wt%–10.0wt%) and chromium (0–9.0wt%) on the microstructure and hardness of Cr-V-Mn-Ni white cast irons with spheroidal vanadium carbides. The alloys’ microstructural features are presented and discussed with regard to the distribution of phase elements. The structural constituents of the alloys are spheroidal VC, proeutectoid cementite, ledeburite eutectic, rosette-shaped carbide eutectic (based on M₇C₃), pearlite, martensite, and austenite. Their combinations and area fraction (AF) ratios are reported to be influenced by the alloys’ chemical composition. Spheroidized VC particles are found to be sites for the nucleation of carbide eutectics. Cr and V are shown to substitute each other in the VC and M₇C₃ carbides, respectively. Chromium alloying leads to the formation of a eutectic (γ-Fe + M₇C₃), preventing the appearance of proeutectoid cementite in the structure. Vanadium and chromium are revealed to increase the total carbide fraction and the amount of austenite in the matrix. Cr is observed to play a key role in controlling the metallic matrix microstructure.     

Effects of sintering temperature on the microstructural evolution and wear behavior of WCp reinforced Ni-based coatings

This article focuses on the microstructural evolution and wear behavior of 50wt%WC reinforced Ni-based composites prepared onto 304 stainless steel substrates by vacuum sintering at different sintering temperatures. The microstructure and chemical composition of the coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The wear resistance of the coatings was tested by thrust washer testing. The mechanisms of the decomposition, dissolution, and precipitation of primary carbides, and their influences on the wear resistance have been discussed. The results indicate that the coating sintered at 1175°C is composed of fine WC particles, coarse M₆C (M=Ni, Fe, Co, etc.) carbides, and discrete borides dispersed in solid solution. Upon increasing the sintering temperature to 1225°C, the microstructure reveals few incompletely dissolved WC particles trapped in larger M₆C, Cr-rich lamellar M₂₃C₆, and M₃C₂ in the austenite matrix. M₂₃C₆ and M₃C₂ precipitates are formed in both the γ/M₆C grain boundary and the matrix. These large-sized and lamellar brittle phases tend to weaken the wear resistance of the composite coatings. The wear behavior is controlled simultaneously by both abrasive wear and adhesive wear. Among them, abrasive wear plays a major role in the wear process of the coating sintered at 1175°C, while the effect of adhesive wear is predominant in the coating sintered at 1225°C.     

Precipitation analysis of as-cast HK40 steel after isothermal aging

As-cast HK40 steel was aged at 700, 800, or 900℃ for times as long as 2000 h. Microstructural characterization showed that the primary M₇C₃ carbide network contained a substantial content of manganese, in agreement with the microsegregation of manganese calculated by Thermo-Calc using the Scheil-Gulliver module. The dissolution of primary carbides caused the solute supersaturation of austenite and subsequent precipitation of fine M₂₃C₆ carbides in the austenite matrix for aged specimens. During prolonged aging, the carbide size increased with increasing time because of the coarsening process. A time-temperature-precipitation diagram for M₂₃C₆ carbides was calculated using the Thermo-Calc PRISMA software; this diagram showed good agreement with the experimental growth kinetics of precipitation. The fine carbide precipitation caused an increase in hardness; however, the coarsening process of carbides promoted a decrease in hardness. Nanoindentation tests of the austenite matrix indicated an increase in ductility with increasing aging time.     

Effect of Nb and V on the continuous cooling transformation of undercooled austenite in Cr–Mo–V steel for brake discs

The increasing speed of trains necessitates the development of brake-disc materials that meet more stringent requirements. Therefore, Nb and V have been added to Cr–Mo–V steel to improve its thermal fatigue performance when used in brake discs. In this paper, the influences of Nb and V on the static continuous cooling transformation (CCT) behaviors of undercooled austenite were studied. The microstructures, hardness, and dislocation densities at different cooling rates and with the addition of different alloying elements were also investigated. The results show that the transformation products of ferrite, granular bainite, lower bainite, and martensite form under different cooling conditions. With increasing Nb and V contents, the CCT curves are shifted to the left, ferrite and bainite transformations are promoted, and the critical cooling rate of total martensite formation is increased. The added V mainly forms V-rich M₈C₇ precipitates and reduces the dissolved C content; therefore, the A_c1, A_c3, and M_s-point temperatures increase. Moreover, the stability of retained austenite is also reduced; its content therefore decreases. Compared with V, the effect of added Nb is weaker because of its smaller content. However, the addition of Nb improves the hardness at lower cooling rates because of the precipitation of fine NbC particles and refining of the microstructure.     

Effect of initial microstructure on austenite formation kinetics in high-strength experimental microalloyed steels

Austenite formation kinetics in two high-strength experimental microalloyed steels with different initial microstructures compris-ing bainite–martensite and ferrite–martensite/austenite microconstituents was studied during continuous heating by dilatometric analysis. Austenite formation occurred in two steps:(1) carbide dissolution and precipitation and (2) transformation of residual ferrite to austenite. Di-latometric analysis was used to determine the critical temperatures of austenite formation and continuous heating transformation diagrams for heating rates ranging from 0.03°C×s?1 to 0.67°C×s?1. The austenite volume fraction was fitted using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov equation to determine the kinetic parameters k and n as functions of the heating rate. Both n and k parameters increased with increasing heat-ing rate, which suggests an increase in the nucleation and growth rates of austenite. The activation energy of austenite formation was deter-mined by the Kissinger method. Two activation energies were associated with each of the two austenite formation steps. In the first step, the austenite growth rate was controlled by carbon diffusion from carbide dissolution and precipitation;in the second step, it was controlled by the dissolution of residual ferrite to austenite.     

Effect of long-term service on the precipitates in P92 steel

The precipitates in P92 steel after long-term service in an ultra-supercritical unit were investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and were found to mainly consist of M₂₃C₆ carbides, Laves phase, and MX carbonitrides. No Z-phase was observed. M₂₃C₆ carbides and Laves phase were found not only on prior austenite grain boundaries, martensite lath boundaries, and subgrain boundaries but also in lath interiors, where two types of MX carbonitrides—Nb-rich and V-rich particles—were also observed but the “winged” complexes were hardly found. Each kind of precipitate within the martensite laths exhibited multifarious morphologies, suggesting that a morphological change of precipitates occurred during long-term service. The M₂₃C₆ carbides and Laves phase coarsened substantially, and the latter grew faster than the former. However, MX carbonitrides exhibited a relatively low coarsening rate. The effect of the evolution of the precipitate phases on the creep rupture strength of P92 steel was discussed.     

Solidification microstructure formation in HK40 and HH40 alloys

The microstructure formation processes in HK40 and HH40 alloys were investigated through JmatPro calculations and quenching performed during directional solidification. The phase transition routes of HK40 and HH40 alloys were determined as L → L + γ → L + γ + M₇C₃ → γ + M₇C₃ → γ + M₇C₃ + M₂₃C₆→ γ + M₂₃C₆ and L → L + δ → L + δ + γ→ L + δ + γ + M₂₃C₆ δ + γ + M₂₃C₆, respectively. The solidification mode was determined to be the austenitic mode (A mode) in HK40 alloy and the ferritic–austenitic solidification mode (FA mode) in HH40 alloy. In HK40 alloy, eutectic carbides directly precipitate in a liquid and coarsen during cooling. The primary γ dendrites grow at the 60° angle to each other. On the other hand, in HH40 alloy, residual δ forms because of the incomplete transformation from δ to γ. Cr₂₃C₆ carbide is produced in solid delta ferrite δ but not directly in liquid HH40 alloy. Because of carbide formation in the solid phase and no rapid growth of the dendrite in a non-preferential direction, HH40 alloy is more resistant to cast defect formation than HK40 alloy.     

低活化铁素体/马氏体钢的增强机理研究进展

This review summarizes the strengthening mechanisms of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels. High-angle grain boundaries, subgrain boundaries, nano-sized M₂₃C₆, and MX carbide precipitates effectively hinder dislocation motion and increase high-temperature strength. M₂₃C₆ carbides are easily coarsened under high temperatures, thereby weakening their ability to block dislocations. Creep properties are improved through the reduction of M₂₃C₆ carbides. Thus, the loss of strength must be compensated by other strengthening mechanisms. This review also outlines the recent progress in the development of RAFM steels. Oxide dispersion-strengthened steels prevent M₂₃C₆ precipitation by reducing C content to increase creep life and introduce a high density of nano-sized oxide precipitates to offset the reduced strength. Severe plastic deformation methods can substantially refine subgrains and MX carbides in the steel. The thermal deformation strengthening of RAFM steels mainly relies on thermo-mechanical treatment to increase the MX carbide and subgrain boundaries. This procedure increases the creep life of TMT(thermo-mechanical treatment) 9Cr–1W–0.06Ta steel by ~20 times compared with those of F82H and Eurofer 97 steels under 550°C/260 MPa.     

Microstructure,mechanical properties,and wear resistance of VC<Subscript>p</Subscript>-reinforced Fe-matrix composites treated by Q&amp;P process

A quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process was applied to vanadium carbide particle (VCp)-reinforced Fe-matrix composites (VC-Fe-MCs) to obtain a multiphase microstructure comprising VC, V₈C₇, M₃C, α-Fe, and γ-Fe. The effects of the austenitizing temperature and the quenching temperature on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of the VC-Fe-MCs were studied. The results show that the size of the carbide became coarse and that the shape of some particles began to transform from diffused graininess into a chrysanthemum-shaped structure with increasing austenitizing temperature. The microhardness decreased with increasing austenitizing temperature but substantially increased after wear testing compared with the microhardness before wear testing; the microhardness values improved by 20.0% ±2.5%. Retained austenite enhanced the impact toughness and promoted the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect to improve wear resistance under certain load conditions.     

Erosion–corrosion behavior of austenitic cast iron in an acidic slurry medium

A series of austenitic cast iron samples with different compositions were cast and a part of nickel in the samples was replaced by manganese for economic reason. Erosion–corrosion tests were conducted under 2wt% sulfuric acid and 15wt% quartz sand. The results show that the matrix of cast irons remains austenite after a portion of nickel is replaced with manganese.(Fe,Cr)3C is a common phase in the cast irons, and nickel is the main alloying element in high-nickel cast iron; whereas,(Fe,Mn)3C is observed with the increased manganese content in low-nickel cast iron. Under erosion–corrosion tests, the weight-loss rates of the cast irons increase with increasing time. Wear plays a more important role than corrosion in determining the weight loss. It is indicated that the processes of weight loss for the cast irons with high and low nickel contents are different. The erosion resistance of the cast iron containing 7.29wt% nickel and 6.94wt% manganese is equivalent to that of the cast iron containing 13.29wt% nickel.     

Influence of secondary carbide precipitation and transformation on abrasion resistance of a 3Cr15Mo1V1.5 white iron

The relationship between the secondary carbide precipitation and transformation of the 3Cr15Mo1V1.5 white iron and abrasion resistance was investigated by using optical microscope (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the properties of secondary carbides precipitated at holding stage play an important role in the abrasion resistance. After certain holding time at 833 K subcritical treatment, the grainy (Fe, Cr)₂₃C₆ carbide precipitated and the fresh martensite transformed at the holding stage for 3Cr15Mo1V1.5 white iron improve the bulk hardness and abrasion resistance of the alloy. Prolonging holding time, MoC and (Cr, V)₂C precipitations cause the secondary hardening peak and the corresponding better abrasion resistance. Finally, granular (Fe, Cr)₂₃C₆ carbide in situ transforms into laminar M₃C carbide and the matrix structure transforms into pearlitic matrix. These changes weaken hardness and abrasion resistance of the alloy sharply.     

Influence of cryogenic treatment on the wear characteristics of 100Cr6 bearing steel

A series of reciprocating wear tests were performed on the deep cryogenically treated and conventionally heat-treated samples of 100Cr6 bearing steel to study the wear resistance. The worn surfaces as well as the wear debris were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The improvement in wear resistance of the deep cryogenically treated samples ranges from 49% to 52%. This significant improvement in wear resistance can be attributed to finer carbide precipitation in the tempered martensitic matrix and the transformation of retained austenite into martensite. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the volume fraction of retained austenite in the conventionally heat-treated samples is 14% and that of the deep cryogenically treated samples is only 3%.     

Effect of lower bainite/martensite/retained austenite triplex microstructure on the mechanical properties of a low-carbon steel with quenching and partitioning process

We present a study concerning Fe–0.176C–1.31Si–1.58Mn–0.26Al–0.3Cr (wt%) steel subjected to a quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process. The results of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and tensile tests demonstrate that the microstructures primarily consist of lath martensite, retained austenite, lower bainite (LB), and a small amount of tempered martensite; moreover, few twin austenite grains were observed. In the microstructure, three types of retained austenite with different sizes and morphologies were observed: blocky retained austenite (~300 nm in width), film-like retained austenite (80–120 nm in width), and ultra- fine film-like retained austenite (30–40 nm in width). Because of the effect of the retained austenite/martensite/LB triplex microstructure, the specimens prepared using different quenching temperatures exhibit high ultimate tensile strength and yield strength. Furthermore, the strength effect of LB can partially counteract the decreasing strength effect of martensite. The formation of LB substantially reduces the amount of retained austenite. Analyses of the retained austenite and the amount of blocky retained austenite indicated that the carbon content is critical to the total elongation of Q&P steel.     

Corrosion behavior of as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloy in 3.5wt% NaCl solution

Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloys (x = 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, and 1.5wt%) were prepared through a casting route in an electric resistance furnace under a controlled atmosphere. The cast alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The corrosion behavior of the as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloys were studied under salt spray tests in 3.5wt% NaCl solution at 35°C, in accordance with standard ASTM B–117, in conjunction with potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) tests. The results show that the addition of Ce to Mg–8Li–3Al (LA83) alloy results in the formation of Al₂Ce intermetallic phase, refines both the α-Mg phase and the Mg₁₇Al₁₂ intermetallic phase, and then increases the microhardness of the alloys. The results of PDP and salt spray tests reveal that an increase in Ce content to 1.5wt% decreases the corrosion rate. The best corrosion resistance is observed for the LA83 alloy sample with 1.0wt% Ce.     

Growth in solution of hooked Ni–Fe fibers by oriented rotation and attachment approaches

Inspired by the curved branches of fractal trees, hooked Ni–Fe fibers were grown in situ in Ni–Fe composite coatings on a spheroidal graphite cast iron substrate. These hooked Ni–Fe fibers exhibited inclination angles of about 39°, which was in accordance with the theoretical prediction of 37°. Ni–Fe nanostructures self-assembled to form dendrites and evolved into hooked fibers by an oriented attachment reaction. The orientation rotation of Ni–Fe nanostructures played an important role in the growth of curved hooked Ni–Fe fibers. During sliding wear tests, the volume loss of the spheroidal graphite cast iron substrate was 2.2 times as large as that of the Ni–Fe coating reinforced by hooked fibers. The good load-transferring ability of hooked Ni–Fe fibers led to an improvement in their wear properties during wear tests.     

Effect of deep cryogenic treatment on the formation of nano-sized carbides and the wear behavior of D2 tool steel

The effect of deep cryogenic treatment on the microstructure, hardness, and wear behavior of D2 tool steel was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness test, pin-on-disk wear test, and the reciprocating pin-on-flat wear test. The results show that deep cryogenic treatment eliminates retained austenite, makes a better carbide distribution, and increases the carbide content. Furthermore, some new nano-sized carbides form during the deep cryogenic treatment, thereby increasing the hardness and improving the wear behavior of the samples.     

Effect of electromagnetic stirring on the microstructure and wear behavior of iron-based composite coatings

The effect of electromagnetic stirring on the microstructure and wear behavior of coatings has been investigated. A series of iron-based coatings were fabricated by the plasma-transferred arc cladding process by applying different magnetic field currents. The microstructure and wear resistance of the composite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and wet sand rubber wheel abrasion tester. The experimental results showed that the microstructure of the coatings was mainly the γ-Fe matrix and (Cr, Fe)₇C₃ carbide reinforced phase. The coatings were metallurgically bonded to the substrate. With increasing magnetic field current, the amount of the block-like (Cr, Fe)TC₃ carbide reinforced phase increased at first, reached a local maximum, and then decreased sharply. When the magnetic field current reached 3 A, the block-like (Cr, Fe)TC₃ carbides with high volume fraction were uniformly distributed in the matrix and the coating displayed a high microhardness and an excellent wear resistance under the wear test condition.     

Composition design of superhigh strength maraging stainless steels using a cluster model

The composition characteristics of maraging stainless steels were studied in the present work investigation using a cluster-plus-glue-atom model. The least solubility limit of high-temperature austenite to form martensite in basic Fe–Ni–Cr corresponds to the cluster formula [NiFe12]Cr3,where NiFe12is a cuboctahedron centered by Ni and surrounded by 12 Fe atoms in FCC structure and Cr serves as glue atoms. A cluster formula [NiFe12](Cr2Ni) with surplus Ni was then determined to ensure the second phase(Ni3M) precipitation,based on which new multicomponent alloys [(Ni,Cu)16Fe192](Cr32(Ni,Mo,Ti,Nb,Al,V)16) were designed. These alloys were prepared by copper mould suction casting method,then solid-solution treated at 1273 K for 1 h followed by water-quenching,and finally aged at 783 K for 3 h. The experimental results showed that the multi-element alloying results in Ni3M precipitation on the martensite,which enhances the strengths of alloys sharply after ageing treatment. Among them,the aged [(Cu4Ni12)Fe192](Cr32(Ni8.5Mo2Ti2Nb0.5Al1V1)) alloy(Fe74.91Ni8.82Cr11.62Mo1.34Ti0.67Nb0.32Al0.19V0.36Cu1.78wt%) has higher tensile strengths with YS?1456 MPa and UTS?1494 MPa. It also exhibits good corrosion-resistance in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution.     

Sintering behaviors and consolidation mechanism of high-chromium vanadium and titanium magnetite fines

To achieve high efficiency utilization of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite (V–Ti–Cr) fines, an investigation of V–Ti–Cr fines was conducted using a sinter pot. The chemical composition, particle parameters, and granulation of V–Ti–Cr mixtures were analyzed, and the effects of sintering parameters on the sintering behaviors were investigated. The results indicated that the optimum quicklime dosage, mixture moisture, wetting time, and granulation time for V–Ti–Cr fines are 5wt%, 7.5wt%, 10 min, and 5–8 min, respectively. Meanwhile, the vertical sintering speed, yield, tumbler strength, and productivity gains were shown to be 21.28 mm/min, 60.50wt%, 58.26wt%, and 1.36 t·m-2·h-1, respectively. Furthermore, the consolidation mechanism of V–Ti–Cr fines was clarified, revealing that the consolidation of a V–Ti–Cr sinter requires an approximately 14vol% calcium ferrite liquid-state, an approximately 15vol% silicate liquid-state, a solid-state reaction, and the recrystallization of magnetite. Compared to an ordinary sinter, calcium ferrite content in a V–Ti–Cr sinter is lower, while the perovskite content is higher, possibly resulting in unsatisfactory sinter outcomes.     

Effects of Ni content on the cast and solid-solution microstructures of Cu-0.4wt%Be alloys

The effects of Ni content (0–2.1wt%) on the cast and solid-solution microstructures of Cu-0.4wt%Be alloys were investigated, and the corresponding mechanisms of influence were analyzed. The results show that the amount of precipitated phase increases in the cast alloys with increasing Ni content. When the Ni content is 0.45wt% or 0.98wt%, needle-like Be₂₁Ni₅ phases form in the grains and are mainly distributed in the interdendritic regions. When the Ni content is 1.5wt% or greater, a large number of needle-like precipitates form in the grains and chain-like Be₂₁Ni₅ and BeNi precipitates form along the grain boundaries. The addition of Ni can substantially refine the cast and solid-solution microstructures of Cu-0.4wt%Be alloys. The hindering effects of both the dissolution of Ni into the matrix and the formation of Be–Ni precipitates on grain-boundary migration are mainly responsible for refining the cast and solid-solution microstructures of Cu-0.4wt%Be alloys. Higher Ni contents result in finer microstructures; however, given the precipitation characteristics of Be–Ni phases and their dissolution into the matrix during the solid-solution treatment, the upper limit of the Ni content is 1.5wt%–2.1wt%.