Abstract
Uniform M2/VN composite powders were prepared via high-energy ball milling of commercial M2 high-speed steel and VN powders, and a promising M2/VN high speed steel with 4 wt% V was obtained by vacuum sintering. The phases, microstructure of the milled composite powders, and densification behavior, related mechanical properties of sintered steels were investigated. The VN particles were embedded in the matrix phase α-Fe during the ball milling process. After 28 h of ball milling, M6C carbides were continuously refined and showed a streamline distribution. Nearly full densification (~99.4% RD) of M2/VN steel was achieved at 1160 °C by supersolidus liquid phase sintering. Carbonitrides with core-shell structure, exhibiting high N content, were confirmed via the dissolution and precipitation process. The VN particles effectively inhibited the grain growth and improved both the hardness and bend strength. Attracting M2 high speed steel with fine and uniformly dispersed MC carbides was achieved, showing satisfactory bending strength of 3000 MPa and hardness of 62.2 HRC.
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