Effect of quenching holding time on microstructure and properties of high silicon hypereutectic high chromium cast iron

In this paper, the effects of different quenching holding times on the microstructure and properties of high-silicon hypereutectic high-chromium cast iron (Fe–4.0C–35.0Cr–1.9Si) were investigated. The effect of quenching holding time on the microstructure of high silicon hypereutectic high chromium cast iron was analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The hardness and wear resistance of high-silicon hypereutectic high-chromium cast iron quenched at 1150 ∘ C for different time were tested by Rockwell hardness tester, microhardness tester and wear tester. The results show that the microstructure of as-cast high-silicon hypereutectic high-chromium cast iron is mainly composed of pearlite matrix and M 7 C 3 carbide. Quenching heat treatment makes part of the matrix transform from pearlite to martensite, and precipitate a small amount of M[Formula: see text]C 6 type secondary carbide. With the increase of quenching holding time from 1[Formula: see text]h to 6[Formula: see text]h, the amount of martensite transformation gradually increases, the primary carbide has no obvious change, the eutectic carbide tip dissolves, and the morphology gradually becomes smooth. The hardness and wear resistance both increase first and then decrease. After 4 hours of insulation, the hardness reaches the highest 60.5HRC, which is increased by 3 HRC compared to 1 hour of insulation. The wear resistance increases by 22.1% compared to 1 hour of insulation. At this time, the wear resistance is the best.