Load dependent microstructural evolution in an as-cast 26% Cr high chromium cast iron during unlubricated sliding

In the current study, an as-cast 26% Cr high chromium cast iron (HCCI) alloy was subjected to dry-sliding linear wear tests, under different loads. The loads were selected based on analytically computing the critical load (PC) i.e., the load necessary to induce plastic deformation. The PC was calculated to be 15 N and accordingly, a sub-critical load (5 N) and an over-critical load (20 N) were chosen. The influence of increasing the load during the wear test was investigated in terms of the matrix microstructural behaviour and its ability to support the surrounding carbides. The morphological aspects of the wear tracks, and the deformed matrix microstructure adjacent and underneath the track was analysed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. No evidence of plastic deformation of the matrix was observed below PC. On the contrary, at loads equal to and higher than PC, the austenitic matrix plastically deformed as evidenced by the presence of slip bands. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements in terms of grain reference orientation deviation, and micro-Vickers hardness of the austenitic matrix indicated a deformation depth of about 40 µm at the maximum applied load of 20 N. The active wear mechanisms during sliding were a combination of both adhesive and abrasive wear, although increasing the load shifted the dominant mechanism towards abrasion. This was primarily attributable to the increased propensity for carbide cracking and fracturing, combined with the inability of the hardened austenitic matrix surface and sub-surface to adequately support the broken carbide fragments. Moreover, the shift in the dominant wear mechanism was also reflected in the wear volume and subsequently, the wear rate.

IMPACT OF LONG-TERM AGEING ON SIGMA PHASE PRECIPITATION PROCESS IN STEELS WITH AUSTENITIC MATRIX

Super 304H, HR3C and Sanicro 25 grade austenitic matrix steels are used in the construction of pressure components of boilers with supercritical operating parameters. The article presents the results of microstructure examination in delivery condition and after age-ing for up to 50,000 hours at 700°C. The microstructure exami-nation was performed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The precipitates were identified using transmission electron microscopy. In particular, the study analysed the v phase precipitation process and its dynamics depending on the ageing time. It has been shown that the intermetallic v phase plays a significant role in the loss of durability of the tested steel. It is related to its significant increase due to the influence of high temperature, and its coagulation and coalescence dynamics strongly depend on the ageing/operating temperature level. The qualitative and quan-titative identification of the intermetallic v phase precipitation pro-cess described in the study is important in the analysis of the loss of durability of the tested steels under creep conditions.

Bifilm Defects in Ti-Inoculated Chromium White Cast Iron

In recent years, white chromium cast iron has gained a well-settled position among wear-resistant materials. In recent times, chromium cast iron samples containing titanium have attracted attention. In cast iron samples, titanium combines with carbon and forms TiC particles, which may be form a crystallization underlay for eutectic M7C3 carbides and austenite. Accordingly, the inoculation process occurring in the crystallizing alloy should result in the proper, regular distribution of fine eutectic chromium carbides in the austenitic matrix. The presented research was conducted on 20% Cr hypoeutectic white cast iron with the addition of 0.5, 1, and 2% of Ti. Ti inoculation and the presence of TiC allowed for superior wear properties to be obtained. However, the conducted study revealed a significant decrease in the impact strength of examined alloys, especially for the cast iron samples with a high amount of Ti, in which the TiC compounds agglomerated. Titanium compounds accumulate in clusters and their distribution is irregular. Most of the TiC compounds were transported by the crystallization front into the center of the castings, where micropores were formed, meaning they were no longer effective crystallization underlays. In the authors’ opinion, the agglomerate formation is strictly connected with the appearance of bifilm defects in the casting microstructure. The conducted research shows how an incorrect volume of an additive may have negative influences on the properties of the casting. This is a vital issue not only from a technological point of view, but also for economic reasons.

Abrasion Wear Resistance of Ni - Mo Alloyed High-Chromium Cast Iron

The paper presents the results of research on the high-chromium cast irons of chemical composition (in wt. %) 2-4 C, 21-22 Cr, 1-2 Mo, 5-6 Ni, 1 Mn with the trace amount of Ti and. The cast irons were examined in the as-cast state and after heat treatment which comprised the austenitizing at temperature of 900°C for 1 hour and cooling to room temperature in air, followed by tempering at 450 or 600°C for 6 hours and cooling in air. The abrasion resistance of cast irons was evaluated using the pin-on-disk method under the dry abrasion conditions. Tests showed the as-cast chromium cast irons with mostly austenitic matrix have proven the higher abrasion resistance than those after destabilization treatment and tempering.

KINETIC ANALYSIS OF SECONDARY PRECIPITATION IN A HP40-Nb ALLOY

<p class="AMSmaintext1">The HP40-Nb heat resistant alloy (35Ni-25Cr-Nb) was analysed by means of optical microscopy after aging treatments at 1073 and 1173 K for different times, in order to apply the classic Johnson – Mehl - Avrami – Kolmogorov kinetic model (JMAK), and thus calculate the activation energy of secondary M₂₃C₆precipitation, which occurs during thermal aging. The relevance of this theoretical analysis is to infer the mechanism that controls the nucleation and growth of M₂₃C₆ secondary carbides, since the amount and morphology of these phase influences the mechanical properties as well as the corrosion resistance in service. After performing the kinetic analysis using the JMAK model, the activation energy was found to be 208 kJ/mol, which would indicate that the secondary precipitation in this alloy is controlled by the Cr-diffusion phenomenon along the austenitic matrix.</p>

STUDY OF M23C6 PRECIPITATION IN A 45Ni-35Cr-Nb ALLOY

<p class="AMSmaintext">The 45Ni-35Cr-Nb alloy, commonly known as ET45 micro, produced in the form of centrifugally cast tubes, was studied by means of optical microscopy after aging treatments at 1073 and 1173 K for different times. A description of M₂₃C₆ secondary carbides precipitation phenomenon was made as a function of time. The purpose of carrying out a kinetic study of the precipitation of this phase is to be able to calculate the activation energy required for secondary precipitation. This allows to infer what is the mechanism associated with it. Analysis after using the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model showed that secondary carbide precipitation occurs in a single stage. It was found that this phenomenon, which is assisted by diffusion, has an activation energy of 196 kJ/mol. This value would indicate that the diffusion of Cr atoms in the austenitic matrix is the phenomenon that dominates the precipitation of the M₂₃C₆ secondary carbide.</p>

Piecewise affine stress-free martensitic inclusions in planar nonlinear elasticity

We consider a partial differential inclusion problem which models stress-free martensitic inclusions in an austenitic matrix, based on the standard geometrically nonlinear elasticity theory. We show that for specific parameter choices there exist piecewise affine continuous solutions for the square-to-oblique and the hexagonal-to-oblique phase transitions. This suggests that for specific crystallographic parameters the hysteresis of the phase transformation will be particularly small.