Study of Carbonitride Precipitates in the Fe-Cr-Mn-N Hardfacing Alloy

Abstract

The Fe-Cr-Mn-N hardfacing alloy was deposited on a low carbon steel substrate by the weld hardfacing technique. Ti and Nb as the most effective nitrogen-fixing elements were added in the hardfacing alloy. Carbonitride precipitates were systematically studied by canning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalyser. The thermodynamics and the effect on the matrix of the formation of carbonitride were also discussed. It was found that carbonitride precipitates were complex carbonitride of Ti and Nb distributing on grain boundary and matrix of the hardfacing alloy. In as-welded condition, primary carbonitride particles were readily precipitated from the hardfacing alloy with large size and morphology as they were formed already during solidification. In heat-treated condition, a large number of secondary carbonitrides can precipitate-out with very fine size and make a great secondary hardening effect on the matrix. As a result, precipitation of carbonitride in the hardfacing alloy can prevent the formation of chromium-rich phase on grain boundaries and increase the wear resistance of the hardfacing alloy. Keywords: carbonitride precipitate, hardfacing alloy, deposit, thermodynamics