Phase Diagram Calculation and Analyze on Cast High-Boron High-Speed Steel

The equilibrium phases of high-boron high-speed steel whose compositions are 0-3.0% B, 0.2-0.8% C, 4.0-8.0% Cr, 2.0-4.0% Mo, 0.5-1.5% Al, 0.5-1.5% Si, 0-1.0% Mn, and 0.5-1.5% V were calculated and vertical section pseudo-binary phase diagrams were drawn by Thermo-Calc software. The phase transformation and carbides precipitation temperatures were measured by using differential scanning calorimetry. The type of carbides and matrix of the as-cast specimens were determined by using x-ray diffraction. Meanwhile, the shape and the number of carbides in the different specimens were detected by using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The influence of boron, carbon, aluminum, and chromium elements on equilibrium phase diagrams was discussed. The calculation results obtained from Thermo-Calc software are agreed with the ones from experiments. This work provides a practical method for engineers and researchers in related areas.