Research on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High Boron Cast Steel

Abstract

In recent years, high chromium cast irons have been widely applied in many fields because they have high hardness and abrasion resistance. However, high chromium cast irons are also expensive because much alloying elements, such as chromium, molybdenum and nickel, are added into them. In order to resolve above question, a new abrasion-resistant steel with high boron content was developed in this paper. The new high boron steel, with 0.6%~0.8%B and 0.65% C, was prepared using sand casting method. The microstructure and mechanical properties were researched. The results show that the solidification microstructure of as-cast high boron steel consists of boride (FeB) and matrix composed of pearlite, ferrite, and bainite. And the borides distributes along grain boundary in the form of network. After quenching at 980°C and tempering at 250°C, the FeB transforms to Fe2B, and the matrix transforms lath martensite. The hardness of as-cast high boron steel is 43HRC, and its impact toughness is 5J/cm2. After heat treatment, they increase to 56 HRC and 7J/cm2, respectively, approximating that of high chromium cast irons. The new high boron cast steel have a potential in stead of high chromium cast irons