Investigation of the Microstructures and Properties of B-Bearing High-Speed Alloy Steel

This work aims to research the influence of boron and quenching temperature on the microstructures and performances of boron-bearing high-speed alloy steel. The results showed that the hardness and wear resistance of boron-bearing high-speed alloy steel were improved after increasing the boron content. The volume fraction of boron-rich carbide gradually decreased, and the hardness increased significantly with the rise in quenching temperature. The highest comprehensive mechanical properties were obtained for samples quenched at 1040 °C. The TEM results showed the boron-rich carbide was M7(C, B)3 with an HCP structure, and the precipitated particles were M23(C, B)6 with an FCC structure after tempering. This work may help improve the wear resistance of materials in the field of surface coatings.