Texture, microstructure and microhardness evolution of a hot-rolled high chromium cast iron

Abstract

A sandwich-structured bimetallic blank containing high chromium cast iron (HCCI) and low carbon steel (LCS) claddings was newly prepared by composite casting, and then the blank was hot-rolled into composite plate. The evolution of microstructures, phase constituents and texture components of hot-rolled HCCI was analyzed. During hot rolling, the eutectic carbides of M 7C 3 were broken and partly dissolved into the austenitic matrix, resulting in the precipitation of secondary carbides of M 2C during air cooling. Significant refinement of austenitic grains and carbides are discovered in hot-rolled HCCI specimens. The hardness of hot-rolled HCCI increases from around 600.5 to 850–900 HV due to the large carbides volume fraction, indicating a high strength and good wear resistance of hot-rolled HCCI. Strong orientation densities at {1 1 0}〈4 9 0〉, {1 1 1}〈1 1 0〉, {0 0 1}〈1 4 2〉 and {1 1 2}〈1 1 0〉 location are found after hot rolling.