Microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe–Cr–C–Nb white cast irons

The microstructure and properties of 17 wt.% Cr–2.9 wt.% C cast irons with up to 3.17 wt.% Nb additions, in both as-cast and heat treated state, have been studied. Also the influence of titanium and cerium on the structure and properties of 17 wt.% Cr–2.9 wt.% C-2 wt.% Nb alloys are examined. NbC carbides present in the structure of tested alloys, due to their characteristic morphology, show higher wear resistance and toughness than M7C3 carbides. Increasing amount of this type of carbides, caused by the increase of niobium in Fe–Cr–C–Nb alloys, contributes to the improvement of wear resistance and dynamic fracture toughness. The alloy containing approximately 3% Nb gives the best compromise between wear resistance and fracture toughness. This alloy shows about 30% greater dynamic fracture toughness and about 30% greater abrasion wear resistance than the basic Fe–Cr–C alloy. Titanium and cerium affect the crystallisation process of Fe–Cr–C–Nb alloys and the transformation of austenite during the cooling after solidification. The addition of 0.26% Ti results in a substantial change in the morphology and distribution of NbC carbides. The secondary carbides which precipitate in the matrix regions of the tested 17 wt.% Cr–2.9 wt.% C-2 wt.% Nb white iron containing titanium has an impact on the abrasion behaviour and fracture toughness. The alloy containing 0.28% Ti and 0.19% Ce has pearlite–austenitic matrix microstructure in as-cast condition. The pearlite, due to its high microhardness, improves the wear resistance under low-stress abrasion conditions, but drastically reduces the toughness of tested alloy.