Effect of Zr Addition on the Mechanical Properties and MnS Morphology of Cr-Mo Plastic Mold Steel

Abstract

Zr addition is known as effective method to improve the anisotropy of steel due to the elongated MnS inclusions which are observed in hot forged steels. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of Zr addition on the mechanical properties and manganese sulphide morphology of 0.27%C-Cr-Mo plastic mold steel. The ingots were prepared by vacuum induction melting and forged to round bar. Forged bars were quenched and tempered at for 1 hour. Jominy test, microstructual observation, tensile test and Charpy impact test were conducted. The morphology of MnS inclusions was changed by Zr addition. The shape of MnS inclusions was not so much lengthened and controlled not to be elongated by Zr inclusions which surround the MnS inclusions. Tensile strength and yield strength of the tempered steels were not nearly affected by the addition of Zr, but elongation and reduction of area were decreased. Especially, the toughness of Zr added steels was deteriorated with increasing of Zr content. From the results of this study, it is assumed that anisotropy of steels was improved by the addition of Zr. However, impact toughness of the steel was significantly decreased by the excessive Zr addition (over 0.066%).