| Abstract Scope |
The present research describes the process to obtain a cast steel reinforced with dispersed carbide (TiW)C particles for wear applications and focuses on the microstructural characterization in the as-cast, heat-treated, and cold worked conditions. Ti and W addition in a 6 wt% Ni high carbon steel resulted in the (TiW)C carbide formation with a nearly globular morphology. These carbides solidify the melt at the initial stages of solidification as primary carbides, subsequently surrounded by a ferrous matrix. The primary carbide formation adjusts dissolved C in the matrix by consuming a determined C amount depending on the Ti and W content. Hence a melt transition hypereutectic to hypoeutectic occurs, inhibiting the carbide formation at the grain boundaries. The resultant microstructure is composed of (TiW)C primary carbides in an austenitic matrix. As-cast austenitic matrix can be modified by heat treating or cold working to improve hardness and wear resistance. |