A study of the microstructures and properties of Fe–V–W–Mo alloy modified by rare earth

The effects of rare earth (RE) on the microstructures and properties of the Fe–5% V–5% W–5% Mo–5% Cr–3% Nb–2% Co–2% C (Fe–V–W–Mo) alloy are investigated. Modification of the Fe–V–W–Mo alloy is effectively achieved through the addition of suitable amount of RE, which refines the prior-austenite grains and eutectic structure. The as-cast microstructure shows that the flake carbides in the eutectic structure become short and fine. After hardening treatment, most of the eutectic carbides are spheroidized and uniformly distributed. The hardness and hot hardness of the modified Fe–V–W–Mo alloy are slightly increased, while the impact toughness is increased by 37.81% and reaches 10.17 J/cm2. The rolls made of modified Fe–V–W–Mo alloy show excellent service properties in high speed wire mills, including the prevention of cracks and spalling.