Target Alloys of Iron-Based Materials through CALPHAD Method

The development of tailored alloys is an important aspect for enhancing efficiency across diverse applications in mechanical engineering. The use of computer-aided modelling offers an opportunity to enable a more efficient and targeted material development. In the present work, new iron-based alloys with specific properties were developed using the CALPHAD method. The alloy design developing process was carried out by using the simulation software JMatPro® and the data evaluation software EDA®. Using a full factorial plan, various alloys were modelled on the basis of the elements iron, nickel, vanadium, carbon, niobium and chromium. Afterwards, the alloys were narrowed down with regard to the criteria of carbide phase content, formability, and corrosion resistance. Subsequently, two final alloys were chosen based on their properties. Afterwards the selected final alloys were produced by mechanically blending different powder alloys and elements. These alloys were welded onto unalloyed steel using Plasma Transferred Arc welding and were characterised by using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, hardness measurements, spark spectrometry and metallography. Subsequently, a verification of the welded samples regarding to chemical composition, phases, and corrosion resistance was carried out. The investigations showed that it was possible to simulate alloys with specific properties using computer-based software, which corresponded with the experimental studies.