The Effect of Precipitation Hardening on the Properties Hadfield Steel

The precipitation hardening in chromium containing Hadfield steel is considered as the most traditional mechanism for promoting the technological and mechanical properties of such high alloy steel. Two methodologies of precipitation hardening were suggested to attain the strengthening mechanical and technical properties of this steel. Different precipitates of chromium carbides were stimulated through either pre and post solution hardening treatment. Thereby, the results of the two mechanisms were compared in terms of precipitation morphology, compositions, and mechanical properties. It was found that the deteriorative of toughness was significantly observed at the post solution treatment. Fine chromium carbides Cr7C3, and Cr23C6 were observed throughout the austenite matrix at 650oC, and 700oC as the temperature of the pre-solution treatment technique. It was found that the morphology of chromium carbides has the most significant effect on promoting the strain-hardening property of Hadfield steel studied. When conducting the age-hardening regime followed the solution treatment observed the best toughness of Hadfield steel.