Microstructure Evaluation and Wear-Resistant Properties of Ti-alloyed Hypereutectic High Chromium Cast Iron

High chromium cast iron (HCCI) is considered as one of the most useful wear resistance materials and their usage are widely spread in industry. The mechanical properties of HCCI mainly depend on type, size, number, morphology of hard carbides and the matrix structure (γ or α). The hypereutectic HCCI with large volume fractions of hard carbides is preferred to apply in wear applications. However, the coarser and larger primary M 7 C 3 carbides will be precipitated during the solidification of the hypereutectic alloy and these will have a negative influence on the wear resistance. In this thesis, the Ti-alloyed hypereutectic HCCI with a main composition of Fe-17mass%Cr-4mass%C is studied based on the experimental results and calculation results. The type, size distribution, composition and morphology of hard carbides and martensite units are discussed quantitatively. For a as-cast condition, a 11.2μm border size is suggested to classify the primary M 7 C 3 carbides and eutectic M 7 C 3 carbides. Thereafter, the change of the solidification structure and especially the refinement of carbides (M 7 C 3 and TiC) size by changing the cooling rates and Ti addition is determined and discussed. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of hypereutectic HCCI related to the solidification structure are discussed. Mechanical properties of HCCI can normally be improved by a heat treatment process. The size distribution and the volume fraction of carbides (M 7 C 3 and TiC) as well as the matrix structure (martensite) were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in-situ observation by using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Especially for the matrix structure and secondary M 7 C 3 carbides, EBSD and CLSM are useful tools to classify the fcc (γ) and bcc (α) phases and to study the dynamic behavior of secondary M 7 C 3 carbides. In conclusion, low holding temperatures close to the eutectic temperature and long holding times are the best heat treatment strategies in order to improve wear resistance and hardness of Ti-alloyed hypereutectic HCCI. Finally, the maximum carbides size is estimated by using statistics of extreme values (SEV) method in order to complete the size distribution results. Meanwhile, the characteristic of different carbides types will be summarized and classified based on the shape factor.