Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and properties of modified hypereutectic high chromium cast iron

Abstract The effect of heat treatment on the microstructure, hardness and wear resistance of modified hypereutectic high chromium cast iron (HCCI) was investigated. The results show that the quenching treatment partially dissolves the edges of the primary carbides, and the sharp corners become rounded and blunt. As the quenching temperature increases, the carbide re-dissolves into the matrix, and the hardness and wear resistance first increase and then decrease. The hardness and wear resistance are the best when quenched at 1000 °C. After tempering, the martensite is transformed into tempered martensite, and the precipitation of secondary carbides increases. As the tempering temperature increases, the secondary carbides gradually become coarser. When the tempering temperature is 500 °C, the hypereutectic HCCI shows the highest hardness and the best wear resistance. When tempered at 400 °C, hypereutectic HCCI shows the best erosion and wear resistance.