The effect of vanadium on microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-based high-strength alloys

Abstract

In this paper, the microstructure and mechanical properties of FeCrMoVC high-speed steels fabricated using a rapid solidification technique were investigated. It was found that the alloy with free V content exhibited ultra-high fracture strength of 4900 MPa and large compression strain of 31.8%, but a lower yield strength of 1100 MPa. In contrast, with V content to 4 at%, the yield strength increased significantly to 3200 MPa. Micro-structure analysis revealed that the V addition plays an important role in promoting the formation of skeleton-like carbide (V6C5 phase), which can hinder the rapid propagation of shear bands, resulting in a good mechanical property. This special hard and finely ramified carbide network throughout the overall specimen can be regarded as a specific structure signal for the excellent mechanical properties of FeCrMoVC alloys. This result of the alloy with good mechanical property is expected to be used in industry as a high strength tool steel.