Effects of Primarily Solidified Dendrite and Thermal Treatments on the M23C6 Precipitation Behavior of High-Chromium White Iron

The precipitation behavior of M23C6 carbide during thermal treatment of high-Cr white iron with various fractions of primarily solidified dendrite was studied and reviewed. M23C6 precipitation in the primarily solidified dendrite occurred preferentially during conventional heat treatment, whereas it occurred scarcely in the eutectic austenite. The reaction between M7C3 and austenite caused the dissolution of M7C3 into austenite, followed by precipitation of M23C6 along the periphery of eutectic M7C3. Relatively low-temperature thermal treatment (modified heat treatment) led to precipitation of M23C6 particles in the eutectic austenite, which is presumed to be caused by solubility difference depending on temperature.