The characterization of cast Fe-Cr-C alloy

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the characterization of alloy from Fe-Cr-C (carbon content 0.79 wt.%) system including the microstructure, phase analysis, morphology and hardness in as cast state. The chemical composition was designed to create chromium-rich ferritic matrix with high volume fraction of carbides in form of interdendritic eutectics. The research was carried out on the cross section of the ingot, synthesized in an arc furnace under high purity argon atmosphere and crystallized on water-cooled copper mould. Microstructural characterization was carried out by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phase identification was performed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructure of the investigated alloy is composed of primary and secondary dendrites Fe-Cr solid solution and complex M23C6 and M7C3 carbides in interdendritic areas. Segregation of Cr and C during crystallization causes precipitation of M7C3 carbides. The average hardness of the alloy is 205±12 HV10.