Mechanical properties and microstructures of Zr-microalloyed cast steel

Abstract

Microalloyed cast steels are a group of microalloyed steels, in which reliable mechanical properties could be achieved by heat treatment. In addition, Thermochemical data indicate that Zr has high affinity for oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. The aim of present work was to investigate on the role of Zr, as a microalloying element, on mechanical property and microstructure of microalloyed cast steel. After casting of the steels with various Zr content, heat treatments were carried out. Results show that Zr between 0.005-0.01 percent has the effects on increasing hardness and impact toughness of steel. Also the formation of Zr precipitates was confirmed by SEM and XRD. © 2005 ISIJ.