Study of the Crystallization Behavior and the Subsequent Martensitic Transformation in a High Chromium Cast Steel submitted to Different Austenitization Temperatures

The crystallization behavior a High Chromium Cast Steel (HCCS) has been determined under Equilibrium conditions with ThermoCalc® software, and under non-Equilibrium conditions through Differential Thermal Analyses (DTA). The results are compared to each other and the differences between the predicted solidification path and the actual one obtained from DTA (Figure 1) are highlighted.
The microstructure in the as-cast conditions is characterized while using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hardness measurements. The SEM analysis involves a combination of methods such as backscattered electron observation, energy dispersive spectrometry and backscattered-electron diffraction with X rays, which ensure proper identification of complex solidification carbides and the matrix made of martensite and retained austenite (Figure 2a). Solid state transformations occurring during the heating stage up to the austenitization temperature are studied towards both DTA and dilatometry, especially the dissolution/precipitation reactions. Different austenitization temperatures are considered prior to cooling down to room temperature during dilatometry tests to determine the starting points (Ms) for martensite transformation. In addition a cryogenic quenching within liquid nitrogen is performed which allows the completion of the martensitic transformation (Figure 2b) and help determining the critical point for the end of the martensitic reaction (Mf points).
An enhanced discussion based on the influence of the cooling rate and the undercooling is developed to explain the differences that are observed between equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions, which are mainly related to the solidification sequence and the carbides formed. The influence of the austenitization temperature and the matrix composition/supersaturation on both Ms and Mf points is also discussed.