Effects of Q& P Process on Microstructure and Properties of Fe-0.45C-1.6B High Boron Wear-resistant Steel

The microstructure and properties of the as-cast and after Q& P process Fe-0.45C-1.6B high boron wear-resistant steel were studied by means of optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Rockwell hardness tester and impact wear tester. The results show that the microstructure of high boron wear-resistant steel is composed of metal matrix and eutectic boride.The matrix structure is mainly martensite, ferrite and few retained austenite.The borides are mainly Fe₂B and Fe₂₃ (B, C)₆.After the Q& P process, the ferrite is eliminated, the alloying elements are uniformly distributed, and the shape and distribution of the boride changes accordingly. After the Q& P process, the comprehensive mechanical properties and wear resistance of the high-boron wear-resistant steel have been improved. Compared with the as-cast state, after the Q&P process, the volume fraction of retained austenite in the test steel increases from 9.8% to 17.6%, and the impact absorption energy increases from 3.76 J to 7.50 J, and the wear resistance is 1.64 times of that of the as cast.