On the Comparison of Microstructure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of High Chromium White Iron with the Hadfield Austenitic Manganese Steel

Abstract

In this study, high chromium white iron (HC-Wi) alloy and the Hadfield steel were studied. The microstructure of this high-chromium iron was studied using Metallurgical optical microscopy (OM) and compared to the Hadfield steel. The hardness and unnotched charpy impact strength of the HC-Wi alloy and Hadfield steel were examined at ambient temperature in the as-cast and heat-treated conditions. A pin-on-disc test at linear speed of 1.18 m/s and a 10 N normal load was employed to evaluate the wear behavior of both steel samples. Microstructural results showed that varying the carbon level in HC-Wi alloys can affect the chromium carbide morphology and its distribution in the austenite matrix which leads to considerable changes of the mechanical properties. Abrasion test showed that HC-Wi alloys have superior wear resistance, about three times of the Hadfield steel.