Enhancing Manganese Steel Castings: The Role of Magnesium, Calcium, and Surface-Active Elements in Reinforcing Ceramic-Metal Composite Structures

Abstract The enhancement of manganese steel castings through the incorporation of magnesium, calcium, and surface-active elements has been investigated with a focus on improving ceramic-metal composite structures. This study demonstrates that treating the casting surface with magnesium significantly enhances the bond between alumina ceramic and manganese metal, attributed to a high fraction of interphase formation. Furthermore, the composite structure formed between modified molten manganese metal and alumina exhibits superior wear abrasion resistance compared to conventional manganese steel. The wear abrasion resistance was improved seven times in comparing to the conventional high manganese steel. Additionally, the well-known strain hardening phenomenon of high manganese steel is substantially influenced by the composite structure at the surface, suggesting a novel approach to tailoring mechanical performance in demanding applications. These findings highlight the potential of surface modification techniques to optimize the durability and mechanical integrity of manganese steel castings in wear-intensive environments.