A Study of Microstructures and Properties of High‐Carbon Si‐Cr Cast Steel Containing Rare Earth and Titanium

Abstract

AbstractThe microstructure, tensile and impact behaviour of high‐carbon Si‐Cr cast steel containing rare earth (RE) and titanium have been determined after austempering. The additions of RE and titanium refined the primary austenite grain size resulting in improving toughness. The addition of silicon handicapped the formation of carbide and carbide‐free bainitic ferrite and carbon enriched retained austenite could be obtained in the austempering structures of high‐carbon Si‐Cr cast steel, which had excellent mechanical properties and abrasion resistance. Moreover, the basic tendency of the mechanical properties of high‐carbon Si‐Cr cast steel influenced by the austempering temperature was that the hardness and tensile strength reduced and the impact toughness and fracture toughness increased with increasing temperature. The comprehensive properties were the best while austempering at 330oC.