Chemical composition and structural identification of primary carbides in as-cast H13 steel

The aim of this study was to characterize the primary carbides formed in as-cast H13 steel. The composition, morphology, type, and size of primary carbides in as-cast H13 steel were investigated by optical microscope (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The number of primary carbides was investigated by ASPEX automated inclusion analysis system. The results indicated that primary carbides in as-cast H13 steel are mainly composed of Cr, Mo, V, and Ti, and there exist four kinds of primary carbides in the interdendritic zones of H13 steel, which are stripy Mo-Cr-rich M₂C, eutectic Mo-Cr-rich M₂C, V-rich MC, and V-rich MC with Ti and N. Thermodynamic calculation indicated that M₂C precipitates in liquid phase at solid fractions larger than 0.99, while MC precipitates in liquid phase at solid fractions larger than 0.96. Statistical results indicated that the number of M₂C is much greater than the number of other kinds of primary carbides. Most primary carbides are blocky, with lengths of no more than 10 μm and a length/width ratio of no more than 3. The large primary carbides in as-cast H13 steel are mainly M₂C.     

Study on stable and meta-stable carbides in a high speed steel for rollers during tempering processes

A high speed steel (HSS) was studied for rollers in this work. The steel was quenched at 1150℃ and tempered at 520℃. The phase structures of the steel were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the hardness of specimens was measured. The volume fraction of carbides was counted by Image-Pro Plus software. The typical microstructures were observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Stable and meta-stable carbides were deduced by removing the existing phases one by one in the Fe-C equilibrium calculation. It is found that the precipitated carbides are bulk-like MC, long stripe-like M₂C, fishbone-like M₆C, and daisy-like M₇C₃ during the tempering process. The stable carbides are MC and M₆C, but the meta-stable ones are M₂C, M₇C₃, and M₃C.     

Microstructural evolution of a heat-treated H23 tool steel

The microstructure and the stability of carbides after heat treatments in an H23 tool steel were investigated. The heat treatments consisted of austenization at two different austenizing temperatures (1100℃ and 1250℃), followed by water quenching and double-aging at 650℃, 750℃, and 800℃ with air cooling between the first and second aging treatments. Martensite did not form in the as-quenched microstructures, which consisted of a ferrite matrix, M₆C, M₇C₃, and MC carbides. The double-aged microstructures consisted of a ferrite matrix and MC, M₆C, M₇C₃, and M₂₃C₆ carbides. Secondary hardening as a consequence of secondary precipitation of fine M₂C carbides did not occur. There was disagreement between the experimental microstructure and the results of thermodynamic calculations. The highest double-aged hardness of the H23 tool steel was 448 HV after austenization at 1250℃ and double-aging at 650℃, which suggested that this tool steel should be used at temperatures below 650℃.     

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.     

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.     

反应键合B4C–SiC复合材料的组织和力学性能

Reaction-bonded B₄C–SiC composites are highly promising materials for numerous advanced technological applications. However, their microstructure evolution mechanism remains unclear. Herein, B₄C–SiC composites were fabricated through the Si-melt infiltration process. The influences of the sintering time and the B₄C content on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and phase evolution were investigated. X-ray diffraction results showed the presence of SiC, boron silicon, boron silicon carbide, and boron carbide. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that with the increase in the boron carbide content, the Si content decreased and the unreacted B₄C amount increased when the sintering temperature reached 1650°C and the sintering time reached 1 h. The unreacted B₄C diminished with increasing sintering time and temperature when B₄C content was lower than 35wt%. Further microstructure analysis showed a transition area between B₄C and Si, with the C content marginally higher than in the Si area. This indicates that after the silicon infiltration, the diffusion mechanism was the primary sintering mechanism of the composites. As the diffusion process progressed, the hardness increased. The maximum values of the Vickers hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of the reaction-bonded B₄C–SiC ceramic composite with 12wt% B₄C content sintered at 1600°C for 0.5 h were about HV 2400, 330 MPa, and 5.2 MPa·m0.5, respectively.     

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.     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of C-Mn-Cr-Nb and C-Mn-Si-Nb ultra-high strength dual-phase steels

The microstructures and mechanical properties of C-Mn-Cr-Nb and C-Mn-Si-Nb ultra-high strength dual-phase steels were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile test. The results show that Si can promote the transformation of austenite (γ) to ferrite (α), enlarge the (α+γ) region, and increase the aging stability of martensite by inhibiting carbide precipitation. Adding Cr leads to the formation of retained austenite and martensite/austenite (M/A) constituents, as well as the decomposition of martensite during the overaging stage. Both of the steels show higher initial strain-hardening rates and two-stage strain-hardening characteristics. The C-Mn-Si-Nb steel shows the higher strain-hardening rate than the C-Mn-Cr-Nb steel in the first stage; however, there is no significant difference in the second stage. Although the tensile strength and elongation of the two steels both exceed 1000 MPa and 15%, respectively, the comprehensive mechanical properties of the C-Mn-Si-Nb steel are superior.     

Thermodynamic study and methanothermal temperature-programmed reaction synthesis of molybdenum carbide

Nanostructured molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) was successfully prepared from molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) using methanothermal temperature-programmed reaction. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that in presence of methane, the formation of Mo₂C from MoO₃ occurs through the path of MoO₃ → MoO₂ → Mo₂C. The carburized MoO₃ was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), CHNS/O analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). At final carburization temperatures of 700 and 800℃ and at methane contents ranging from 5vol% to 20vol%, Mo₂C was the only solid product observed in the XRD patterns. The results indicated that the effect of methane content on the formation of the carbide phase is substantial compared with the effect of carburization time. Elemental analysis showed that at a final temperature of 700℃, the carbon content of carburized MoO₃ is very close to the theoretical carbon mass percentage in Mo₂C. At higher carburization temperatures, excess carbon was deposited onto the surface of Mo₂C. High-surface-area Mo₂C was obtained at extremely low heating rates; this high-surface-area material is a potential electrocatalyst.     

Characterization and <Emphasis Type="Italic">in-situ</Emphasis> formation mechanism of tungsten carbide reinforced Fe-based alloy coating by plasma cladding

The precursor carbonization method was first applied to prepare W-C compound powder to perform the in-situ synthesis of the WC phase in a Fe-based alloy coating. The in-situ formation mechanism during the cladding process is discussed in detail. The results reveal that fine and obtuse WC particles were successfully generated and distributed in Fe-based alloy coating via Fe/W-C compound powders. The WC particles were either surrounded by or were semi-enclosed in blocky M₇C₃ carbides. Moreover, net-like structures were confirmed as mixtures of M₂₃C₆ and α-Fe; these structures were transformed from M₇C₃. The coarse herringbone M₃C carbides did not only derive from the decomposition of M₇C₃ but also partly originated from the chemical reaction at the α-Fe/M₂₃C₆ interface. During the cladding process, the phase evolution of the precipitated carbides was WC → M₇C₃ → M₂₃C₆+M₃C.     

Effects of Si on the stability of retained austenite and temper embrittlement of ultrahigh strength steels

Effects of silicon (Si) content on the stability of retained austenite and temper embrittlement of ultrahigh strength steels were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and other experimental methods. The results show that Si can suppress temper embrittlement, improve temper resistance, and hinder the decomposition of retained austenite. Reversed austenite appears gradually with the increase of Si content during tempering. Si has a significant effect on enhancing carbon (C) partitioning and improving the stability of retained austenite. Si and C atoms are mutually exclusive in lath bainite, while they attract each other in austenite. ?-carbides are found in 1.8wt% Si steel tempered at 250℃, and they get coarsened obviously when tempered at 400℃, leading to temper embrittlement. Not ?-carbides but acicular or lath carbides lead to temper embrittlement in 0.4wt% Si steel, which can be inferred as cementites and composite compounds. Temper embrittlement is closely related to the decomposition of retained austenite and the formation of reversed austenite.     

高速钢中碳化物的检测

本文利用选择腐蚀、透射电镜、硬度测试和体积分数测定等手段，分析了一种新型铸态超高速钢中碳化物的种类、硬度和所占体积百分数．结果表明；试验钢中主要含有Ｍ６Ｃ和ＭＣ型碳化物，其硬度分别为ＨＭ１０００、ＨＭ２０００左右；体积为２６％和２１％，另外，还有少量Ｍ２Ｃ型碳化物．     

低中碳Si－Mn－V钢回火马氏体脆性机理与稀土元素的作用

通过冲击试验并利用透射电镜，扫描电镜和Ｘ射线衍射仪等测试设备研究了低中碳Ｓｉ－Ｍｎ－Ｖ钢回火马氏体脆性机理及稀土元素的作用，结果表明：回火碳化物的析出和粗化是导致试验钢回火马氏体脆性断裂的本质因素，回火马氏体脆性断裂方式强烈取决于钢中含碳量；稀土元素对试验钢回火马氏体脆性的影响与钢中含碳量有关．     

Coarsening behavior of MX carbonitrides in type 347H heat-resistant austenitic steel during thermal aging

In this work, the growth kinetics of MX (M = metal, X = C/N) nanoprecipitates in type 347H austenitic steel was systematically studied. To investigate the coarsening behavior and the growth mechanism of MX carbonitrides during long-term aging, experiments were performed at 700, 800, 850, and 900℃ for different periods (1, 24, 70, and 100 h). The precipitation behavior of carbonitrides in specimens subjected to various aging conditions was explored using carbon replicas and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. The corresponding sizes of MX carbonitrides were measured. The results demonstrates that MX carbonitrides precipitate in type 347H austenitic steel as Nb(C,N). The coarsening rate constant is time-independent; however, an increase in aging temperature results in an increase in coarsening rate of Nb(C,N). The coarsening process was analyzed according to the calculated diffusion activation energy of Nb(C,N). When the aging temperature was 800–900℃, the mean activation energy was 294 kJ·mol-1, and the coarsening behavior was controlled primarily by the diffusion of Nb atoms.     

热轧态双相钢压缩形变后的回复与再结晶

利用透射电镜（ＴＥＭ）观察了热轧态双相钢压缩态相钢压缩形变后回复与再结晶过程的组织结构变化，研究了硅及形变量的影响。结果表明：硅明显地延迟试验钢回复与再结晶过程。经３０％形变的试验钢的回复与再结晶过程，迟于经９０％的同样过程，由硬度（ＨＲＣ），试验钢再结晶过程的激活能。     

细小弥散碳化物与回火马氏体脆性

本文利用透射电子显微镜及物理化学相分析技术研究了中碳硅—锰钢中回火马氏体脆性(TME)的微观机制,着重探讨了回火过程中析出的碳化物对TME的作用。结果发现,对应于40Si2Mn2钢中TME产生的回火温度区间,存在有由碳化物向渗碳体的转变,析出了细小弥散的颗粒状渗碳体。这种对应现象在40Si2Mn2Mo钢中也得到证实。40Si2Mn2Mo钢的TME产生的回火温度和弥散渗碳体的析出温度都要高于40Si2Mn2钢。由此得出:在回火过程中大量细小弥散渗碳体的析出是中碳硅—锰钢中TME产生的一个重要原因。     

热轧态与回火态 AH80 DB 低碳贝氏体钢组织与冲击韧性

采用光学显微镜、扫描电子显微镜和透射电子显微镜对热轧态和回火态AH80DB低碳贝氏体钢的显微组织、马氏体/奥氏体( M/A)岛、第二相的析出行为以及晶界取向差、有效晶粒尺寸进行研究,揭示回火后低碳贝氏体钢冲击韧性得到改善的原因.结果表明：两种试样的组织均由板条状贝氏体、粒状贝氏体和针状铁素体组成,其中回火态试样中针状铁素体组织较多.热轧态钢中存在较大尺寸M/A岛且呈方向性分布,大角度晶界比例占17.33%,有效晶粒尺寸为3.57μm;而回火态钢中M/A岛的尺寸较小,大角度晶界比例增加3.43%,有效晶粒尺寸减小0.56μm.热轧态钢中析出相主要是( Nb,Ti) C,尺寸在50~150 nm之间,回火态试样中析出较多细小的球状( Nb,Ti) C析出相,尺寸在10 nm左右.     

聚甲醛(POM)的性能及热降解研究

用热重分析(TG)和差热分析(DTA)研究M600,M90—4和H2448三种聚甲醛的热降解和热稳定性。从热重分析曲线计算了活化能,反应速率常数和反应级数。结果表明:三科聚甲醛活化能的次序为:H2448>M-904>M600。 本文用密度梯度、粘度、DSC等方法测定了M600、M90-4、H2448三种聚甲醛的主要物理、化学性能。从性能研究看出,M600具有较低的分子量,较高的结晶度和较差的热稳定性。