Texture, microstructure and microhardness evolution of a hot-rolled high chromium cast iron

A sandwich-structured bimetallic blank containing high chromium cast iron (HCCI) and low carbon steel (LCS) claddings was newly prepared by composite casting, and then the blank was hot-rolled into composite plate. The evolution of microstructures, phase constituents and texture components of hot-rolled HCCI was analyzed. During hot rolling, the eutectic carbides of M7C3 were broken and partly dissolved into the austenitic matrix, resulting in the precipitation of secondary carbides of M2C during air cooling. Significant refinement of austenitic grains and carbides are discovered in hot-rolled HCCI specimens. The hardness of hot-rolled HCCI increases from around 600.5 to 850–900 HV due to the large carbides volume fraction, indicating a high strength and good wear resistance of hot-rolled HCCI. Strong orientation densities at {1 1 0}〈4 9 0〉, {1 1 1}〈1 1 0〉, {0 0 1}〈1 4 2〉 and {1 1 2}〈1 1 0〉 location are found after hot rolling.