Effect of VC on mechanical properties of sintered high speed steel made from water atomized powder

The effect of VC on the mechanical properties of sintered high speed steel (PX16: equivalent to SKH51) made from water atomized powder has been studied. The mechanical properties such as transverse rupture strength and micro vickers hardness were measured and optical and electron microscopic observations carried out. Microvickers hardness of the composite was found to increase, while the transverse rupture strength was found to decrease with the increase of mass fraction of VC. In consequence of the added VC, M sub 6 C type carbides were extinguished. The carbide grain size in this alloy grew with the increase of the mass fraction of VC.