Effects of Si on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of High-Chromium Cast Iron

Abstract

Effect of Si on the microstructures and mechanical properties of high-chromium cast iron was investigated. The eutectic carbides are refined greatly and a transformation of matrix from austenitic matrix to pearlite is observed with increase in Si content from 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%. The refinement of eutectic microstructure is attributed to the decrease in the eutectic temperature, while the transformation from austenite matrix to pearlite is associated with the increase in solubility of carbon in the matrix. In the pearlite matrix, two types of pearlite are observed: one with lamellar pearlite, distributing at the periphery, and the second one with granular pearlite at the center. The density of secondary carbides precipitated from the matrix increases greatly with addition of Si from 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%, which is associated with more carbon and chromium elements confined in the matrix in the alloy containing 1.5 wt.%. More rod-like particles are observed in the alloy containing 0.5 wt.% Si, while the morphology of secondary carbides of alloy containing 1.5 wt.% is granular. The mechanical properties are improved with a 7% increase in tensile strength from 586 to 626 MPa and impact toughness from 5.8 to 7.3 J cm−2.