Microstructure and mechanical properties of Hadfield steel matrix composite reinforced with oriented high-chromium cast iron bars

To obtain a compatible material of high hardness and high toughness, Hadfield steel matrix was reinforced by oriented high-chromium cast iron bars. The mechanical behaviors of the as-cast and water-quenched composites were comparatively studied with a Hadfield steel substrate. The experimental results showed that the alloy powders inside the flux-cored welding wires could be melted by the heat capacity of Hadfield steel melt and became high-chromium cast iron bars. The impact toughness of the water-quenched composite was higher than that of the as-cast composite and lower than that of the Hadfield steel. The wear rate of the water-quenched composite was 1.23 mg/h m² at 0.3 kg and 2.93 mg/h m² at 1.2 kg, which was lower compared with those of the as-cast composite and Hadfield steel. The impact toughness and wear resistance of the water-quenched composite were related not only to the combining actions of the Hadfield steel matrix and high-chromium cast iron bars but also to the effect of heat treatment. The wear behavior of the water-quenched composite was industrially tested as pulverizer plate.