Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AISI 8620 Steel Processed by ECAP

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is to process by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) a low carbon – triple-alloyed steel containing 0.2% C, 0.5% Cr, 0.6% Ni, 0.2% Mo and 0.8 Mo. The process is performed at room temperature for up to four passes using route Bc with an equivalent strain of ∼0.6 after a single pass. Structure evolution before and after deformation is studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) and mechanical properties are assessed by microhardness and tensile testing. A significant improvement of the mechanical properties is found with increasing number of ECAP passes. Micro-hardness increases from 216 HV for the initial sample to 302 HV after four passes and tensile strength increases to 1200 MPa compared with 430 MPa prior to ECAP. X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis show changes in the original ferritic-perlitic structure through ferrite grain refinement and the deformation of perlite. This nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy is used in manufacturing as gear material, and when it is hardened and formed through carburizing or boronizing it can be used to make hard-wearing machine parts. However, the ECAP process has not been used to harden this steel and to change its structure to obtain better mechanical performance.