Structural-phase state and properties of heat and wear resistant cast irons of Cr–Mn–Ni–Ti system additionally alloyed with Al and Nb

The paper presents the data on phase composition and structure forming for the alloys, on distribution of elements among the alloy structural components, on variation of wear resistance, scale resistance, growing stability and mechanical properties of cast iron of Cr–Mn–Ni–Ti–Al–Nb system depending on different aluminium and niobium content and thermal ac-cumulating capacity of a casting mould. Complex carbides (Nb, Ti)C are forming in white cast iron during niobium alloying. Quantitative metallographic analysis of (Nb, Ti)C carbides and (Cr, Fe, Mn)7C3 complex carbides was carried out on the samples with examined composition. Aluminium provides favourable influence on forming of the thin protective spinel-type films with minimal amount of defects; diffusion through such oxide film is very difficult. Joint alloying by aluminium and niobium leads to simultaneous increase of heat resistance and wear resistance. Wear resistance increased as a result of enlargement of the part of primary carbides (Nb, Ti)C with high hardness in the structure of cast iron. Composition of oxide films includes aluminium, which strengthens their protective properties and rises of the alloy scale resistance. It is found for the first time that niobium doping leads to secondary solidification during cooling in the casting mold. Dispersion particles of М7С3 carbides are forming in solid state, thereby no structure degradation occurs during testing at increased temperatures, and growing stability rises. On the basis of the complex of the conducted researches the rational composition of heat and wear resistant cast iron is offered at the following ratio of components, wt. %: 2.1–2.2 C; 4.5–5.0 Mn; 18.0–19.0 Cr; 1.0–1.2 Ni; 0.4–0.6 Ti, 2.0 Nb; 2.0 Al. Wear resistance increased 1.2 times compared to cast irons before the introduction of aluminum and niobium, and scale resistance – 2.4–4.5 times depending on the type of casting mold, the index of growth resistance is equal to zero for cast irons cast in dry SLM