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Journal of Alloys and Compounds 664 (2016) 133e140

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Journal of Alloys and Compounds


journal homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jalcom

Hardenability of sinter-forged Fee2Cu-0.7C-xMo alloys


Sanjay S. Rathore, Vikram V. Dabhade*
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The paper reports the hardenability response of Mo (0.25e3.0 wt%) addition in Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy under
Received 31 July 2015 sinter-forged conditions evaluated by Jominy end quench test. Powder alloy compositions were pro-
Received in revised form cessed by mixing of elemental powders followed by sintering at 1150  C in N2e10%H2 atmosphere in a
18 November 2015
mild steel capsule. The sintered capsules were immediately forged at the sintering temperature to obtain
Accepted 29 December 2015
a forged slab which was further homogenized at 1250  C. Hardenability test specimen of
Available online 31 December 2015
12.7  101.6 mm sub standard size as prescribed by ASTM standard A 255e02 were prepared from the
homogenized slabs. Jominy end quench test was carried out on all specimens using the standard practice
Keywords:
Powder metallurgy
after which the hardenability plot was obtained. In depth discussion was carried out on the influence of
Sinter-forging Mo addition on hardenability plots with microstructural analysis which has been correlated with the
Ferrous alloys hardness profile.
Hardenability © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Microstructure

1. Introduction and size while chemical homogeneity depends on type of powders


used and processing conditions [16]. Certain alloying elements like
Hardenability is an important measure of steel, describes the Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni have ability to influence the hardenability of P/M
capacity of steel to be hardened to a certain depth when cooling steel. Among these Mo is an attractive and popular alloying
from the austenitizing temperature [1]. Hardenability of wrought element in P/M steel as it not only enhances mechanical properties
steel have been investigated extensively over the years [2e8] but but also its addition in small amount improves hardenability
the hardenability of P/M steel has been explored to a lesser extent greatly [17]. After Mn and Cr, Mo is the third highest element in
[9,10]. Due to growing interest of sinter hardening alloys and terms of increasing hardenability and is therefore employed in
increased applications of powder metallurgical alloys in high per- sinter-hardenable alloys [18]. Further, Mo has no issue of
formance automobile components, hardenability of P/M steel has compressibility. Commercially available Cu base and Ni base pre-
becoming more and more important in the P/M industries and have alloyed powders of Mo or their combinations are mainly employed
received attention in recent years [11e13]. Hardenability response in P/M industries. Due to slow diffusion of Ni in iron high sintering
of P/M steel is different from the fully dense wrought steel due to temperature and time are required for obtaining homogeneous
presence of porosity, finer microstructure and typical chemical structures. On the other hand, copper melts at 1083  C and provides
heterogeneity [14]. Hardenability measurement based on liquid phase sintering which is helpful to get homogeneous struc-
measured apparent hardness of P/M specimens is mainly influ- tures at normal sintering temperature and Cu can also be added
enced by the porosity/density which affects the thermal conduc- elementally [19]. Due to above listed favourable features, iron-
tivity of the P/M steel [15]. Apart from density, prior austenite grain ecopper-carbon (FeeCueC) is commonly employed alloy system in
size, composition and chemical homogeneity are other factors the ferrous powder industry and it is extensively used in many
which contribute to the P/M steel hardenability. Density level mass manufactured P/M components of automobiles such as con-
achieved depends on compressibility of the alloying powders and necting rods, planetary gear carriers and variable valve timing
processing technique employed whereas prior austenite grain size components, etc. [20]. Cu is a mild austenite stabilizer, whereas Mo
depends on the heat treatment/sintering conditions, part geometry is ferrite stabilizer and it was also reported that the strongest
hardenability effects can be obtained by combination of austenite
and ferrite stabilizers [21].
* Corresponding author.
Skena et al., determined the hardenability response from Jominy
E-mail addresses: rathore.sanjaysingh@gmail.com (S.S. Rathore), vvdabhade@ end quench test of 34 P/M steels produced from various
gmail.com, vvdabfmt@iitr.ac.in (V.V. Dabhade).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2015.12.240
0925-8388/© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
134 S.S. Rathore, V.V. Dabhade / Journal of Alloys and Compounds 664 (2016) 133e140

commercials powders (blended, prealloyed, diffusion alloyed, etc.). average particle size of 1 mm. The composition of ferro-
Based on the results of the study, they divided 34 investigated al- molybdenum powder is shown in Table 1.
loys into three groups exhibiting shallow, medium and deep In order to improve/facilitate the diffusion of ferro-
hardenability [22]. Saritas et al., simulated the influence of porosity molybdenum powder in the iron matrix during the homogeniza-
on the thermal diffusivity of sintered steels. With the use of tion treatment, the particle size of ferro-molybdenum powder was
instrumented Jominy tests, they found that water penetration into reduced by wet milling (toluene) in a planetary ball mill. Ball
interconnected pores increased the cooling rates of the sintered milling was carried out with a powder to ball ratio of 1:10 for 2.5 h
alloys compared to wrought steels [23]. Bocchini et al. applied to obtain a particle size of less than 10 mm. Following eight com-
Jominy test on low alloy Distaloy AE (diffusion bonded) and Astaloy positions shown in Table 2 were studied.
Mo (prealloyed) powders and compared the hardenability results For every composition, a powder blend of about 1 Kg was pre-
in terms of micro hardness and the hardenability bands obtained pared in two steps: first manual mixing in a morter pestle for
from the test which were further supported by microstructural 20 min and then in a double cone mixer for 60 min. The mixed
observations. They observed more sudden changes towards non powder blend was filled into a mild steel capsule which was pre-
martensitic structures with increasing distance from quench end in pared by gas welding. The outer & inner diameters of capsule were
diffusion bonded steels compared to prealloyed steels [24]. The role 63.5 mm & 61.5 mm respectively and its length was 80 mm. Two
of prealloyed Mo in ferrous P/M alloys has been investigated by 1 m long mild steel tubes were welded to the capsule with hemi-
Lindsley and Rutz [25]. They evaluated the effect of Mo content on spherical end cap for gas passage.
the hardenability of PM steel and expressed that minimum 0.85% The encapsulated powder blend was then sintered in a tubular
and 0.5% Mo content may produce sinter-hardening effect with furnace at 1150  C in N2e10%H2 atmosphere. Sintering was carried
addition of Ni and Cu respectively. The role of austenitizing tem- out at 15⁰C/min heating rate and for 40 min holding time. The
perature on the hardenability of higher Mo steel was investigated sintered capsule was immediately hot forged with a 100 T capacity
by Sokolowski and Lindsley [26] and they indicated that austeni- friction screw press in a channel die (220  70  25 mm) followed
tizing temperature has significant influence on the J depth values in by air cooling. During the forging both die and punch was lubri-
high Mo and C alloys. cated with a mixture of graphite plus acetone. After forging the
In literature, it was observed that most of the studies on hard- capsule turned into a rectangular slab of approximate length-
enability of P/M steel were carried out using prealloyed powders 120 mm, width-70 mm and thickness 16 mm.
and confined to sintering or sinter-harden conditions. Further, End caps of the forged slab were cut down and density was
determining hardenability of P/M steel in sinter-forged condition measured by metallographic method using Radical metacheck 5.0
(fully dense) is scarce. Effect of varying content of elemental Mo software. This software analyses the porosity by measuring the
addition on the hardenability of FeeCueC alloy has not been dark area (due to porosity) as compared to the light area repre-
studied. It is pertinent to mention that use of prealloyed powders senting the rest of the sample in an unetched polished sample by
restrict the compositional flexibility and high cost of prealloyed image analysis. To ensure full density (>98%) reforging of the forged
powders is another limitation. On the other hand, use of elemental slabs was carried out twice at 1150  C. All slabs were then ho-
powders provides complete compositional flexibility with less cost. mogenized at 1250  C in N2e10%H2 reducing atmosphere for 5 h to
In this paper, an attempt has been made to determine the effect of ensure uniform dissolution of ferro-molybdenum. After removing
Mo addition on the hardenability of Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy in sinter- the skin of mild steel capsule from the forged and homogenized
forge condition using elemental powders. To investigate the hard- slabs, these were sectioned to produce hardenability samples of
enability response of Fee2Cu-0.7C-xMo, varying Mo contents (0.25 12.7  101.6 mm sub standard size as prescribed by ASTM standard
wt%-3 wt%) were added in Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy. Further, in order to A 255e02 for hardenability test specimen. All Jominy specimens
investigate the effect of Cu addition on hardenability, hardenability were austenitized at 1050  C in muffle furnace for 45 min and were
response of Fe-0.7C alloy in sinter-forge conditions was also carried coated with a mixture of graphite and acetone to reduce decarbu-
out to comprehend a complete hardenability study on low and rization during heating. To determine the effect of Cu on the
medium alloy P/M steels. All alloys were forged after sintering in hardenability of 0 wt% Mo specimen i.e. Fee2Cu-0.7C a plain carbon
order to obtain full density and were subjected to suitable steel (Fe-0.7C) specimen was also prepared under same condition.
quenching heat treatment. The Jominy test has been applied to The specimen of plain carbon steel (Fe-0.7C) was austenitized at
determine hardenability of all alloys. Detailed discussions have 950  C. All specimens were tested on a Jominy quench end test set
been made for the hardenability plot obtained for each alloy up with prescribed standards. Hardness was recorded on digital
composition and correlated with the microstructures observed Rockwell hardness tester (FIE, India make) on both B (HRB) and C
along the specimen length due to change in cooling rates during the (HRC) scales as specified by ASTM standard. Average of five hard-
Jominy test. ness measurements measured on both flats grounded parallel to
each other for every hardness value was reported. Along the length
of specimen at various locations samples were cut and
2. Experimental

Elemental iron (make Hoganas ASC.100.29, India), elemental


electrolytic Cu (make Himedia, India) and ferro-molybdenum Table 2
(Kamman group Mumbai, India) powders were used in the pre- Compositions details under present investigation.

sent investigation with average particle size of 45 mm, 40 mm and C(wt%) Cu(wt%) Mo(wt%) Fe(wt%)
45 mm respectively. Carbon was added in form of graphite of 0.7 e e Bal.
0.7 2.0 0 Bal.
0.7 2.0 0.25 Bal.
Table 1 0.7 2.0 0.5 Bal.
Chemical composition of ferro-molybdenum powder. 0.7 2.0 1.0 Bal.
0.7 2.0 1.5 Bal.
Element Mo Si Cu C S P Fe
0.7 2.0 2.0 Bal.
Weight % 60 1.5 0.5 0.1 0.08 0.8 bal 0.7 2.0 3.0 Bal.
S.S. Rathore, V.V. Dabhade / Journal of Alloys and Compounds 664 (2016) 133e140 135

microstructural characterization was carried out using standard hardness value just beyond the quench end in Fig. 1 was attributed
practice with 2% nital as etchant under Leica (DMI5000, to the loss of some carbon due to decarburization.
Switzerland make) optical microscope and SEM (Zeiss make).
3.1.2. Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy
3. Results and discussion Addition of 2wt% Cu in Fe-0.7C composition showed improve-
ment in the hardness profile compared to plain carbon steel (Fig. 1).
3.1. Hardenability plot Due to increased hardness of Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy, values were
measured in the Rockwell C scale. On the same Figure, compara-
Hardenability plots of Fe-0.7C (0 wt% Cu), Fee2Cu-0.7C (0 wt% tively high hardness value (38 HRC, peak hardness) was observed
Mo) and Fee2Cu- (0.25e3 wt%) Mo alloys obtained from Jominy up to 4 mm from the quench end which was 46% higher as
end quench test are shown in Fig. 1. Two different scales Rockwell B compared to the peak hardness observed in Fe-0.7C specimen.
(HRB) and C (HRC) are used to measure hardness along the length Addition of Cu delays the decomposition of austenite as copper is a
of the hardenability specimens due to difference in hardness of mild austenite stabilizer. Further, addition of Cu moderately lowers
different alloys compositions. The distance from the quench end Ms temperature as a result hardenability of alloy increased slightly.
was presented in 1/16 inch as per ASTM standard as well as in As Cu is not a strong hardening alloying element, therefore it could
millimeters for proper understanding and comprehending the not retain high hardness values for a considerable distance and
hardness profile. hardness dropped rapidly. It is evident from Fig. 1 where, hardness
of alloy Fee2CueO.7C decreased rapidly from 38 HRC at quench
3.1.1. Fe-0.7C (plain carbon) alloy end to less than 32 HRC at ½ inch (12.7 mm) distance from the
Hardness values of Fe-0.7C alloy were measured in Rockwell B quench end. From ½ inch to 3 inch distance hardness values
scale and the corresponding Jominy curve (indicated as 0wt% Cu) is continued to drop gradually with distance and exhibited hardness
shown in Fig. 1. of around 20 HRC at 3 inch (76.2 mm) from the quench end. From
Hardness profile exhibited a poor hardenability trend in which the Figure it is evident that a considerable jump was achieved in the
hardness values dropped gradually from the quench end along the hardness profile by Cu addition compared to plain carbon steel
length of test specimen. The initial hardness values varied between profile which signifies the importance of alloy addition to increase
23 and 26 HRC at a distance of ½ inch (12.7 mm) from quench end hardenability of steel. Jominy hardenability is often rated by the
and beyond this, it dropped significantly as the distance from the depth (J depth) at which the sample reaches 65 HRA (30HRC). J
quench end increased. At 1 inch (25.4 mm) distance from quench depth of this alloy was 12 or around ¾ inch (19 mm). Measured J
end, the hardness values reached to around 20 HRC. The drop in depth values for various compositions are listed in Table 3.
hardness continued as the distance from quench end increased and
finally, it reached to around 10 HRC (88e90 HRB) at 3 inch 3.1.3. Fee2Cu-0.7C-x Mo alloys
(76.2 mm) distance. The measured hardness values indicated that Addition of 0.25wt% Mo in Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy further increased
martensite transformation was not taking place beyond the quench the hardness profile of the alloy. Hardness of more than 40 HRC was
surface where water jet struck the test specimen. Only pearlite observed upto 4 mm from the quench end wherein 42 HRC was the
formation was likely to take place along the length of test specimen peak hardness. Again, hardness profile showed a drop in values
which was confirmed by the microstructural studies. Only at the with increasing distance from the quench end. However, with
bottom end where water jet struck to the specimen, the surface addition of 0.25wt% Mo in Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy resulted in higher
layers transformed to martensite, while the interior regions where hardness values compared to Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy without Mo con-
cooling rate is slower, transformed to pearlite. Therefore, the effect tent and 40-35 HRC hardness was exhibited upto 13 mm (1/2 inch)
of carbon for increasing the hardenability of steels is limited to thin from the quench end. Further, the drop in hardness with distance
sections. Above observations support a well known reason for from quench end was more gradual and value of J depth increased
introducing alloying elements (like Mn, Cr. Ni, Mo, etc.) in plain to 18.
carbon steel to increase its hardenability so that desirable micro- The effect of molybdenum on hardenability of Fee2Cu-0.7C
structure can be attained in thicker section. The initial drop of alloy was more apparent when addition of 0.5wt% Mo was made in
Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy wherein it created a dramatic effect on hard-
enability profile of the alloy. Both hardness and depth of hardness
increased by increasing the Mo content to 0.5wt%. A considerable
increase (approx.18% increment) in the peak hardness was
observed compared to 0wt% Mo alloy. A hardness of aprrox. 45 HRC
was exhibited near the quench end in 0.5wt% Mo sample. Further,
more than 42 HRC was observed upto 6 mm distance whereas more

Table 3
Value of J depth exhibited by various alloys during Jominy
test.

Alloy composition J depth

Fe-0.7C e
Fe-0.7Ce2Cu 12
Fe-0.7Ce2Cu-0.25Mo 18/20
Fe-0.7Ce2Cu-0.5Mo 40
Fe-0.7Ce2Cu-1.0Mo 44
Fe-0.7Ce2Cu-1.5Mo 48
Fe-0.7Ce2Cu-2.0Mo >48
Fe-0.7Ce2Cu-3.0Mo >56
Fig. 1. Jominy hardenability plots of various compositions.
136 S.S. Rathore, V.V. Dabhade / Journal of Alloys and Compounds 664 (2016) 133e140

than 40HRC was exhibited at 12 mm distance from the quench end. microstructural characterizations these phases were exhibited at
Drop in hardness continued upto ½ inch distance (39.8 HRC) various locations along the length of the test specimen.
thereafter, the hardenability curve flattened out with distance and Typical microstructures were observed at three different loca-
the measured hardness value of 31.5 HRC was observed at 2 inch. tions along the length of specimen (with increasing distance from
Consequently, J depth of 0.5wt% Mo sample increased to 40 the quench end) i.e. at 3e4 mm (nearest to peak hardness point as
(approx. 64 mm from the quench end). It shows that combined to avoid initial drop in hardness due to decarburization), 15e16 mm
addition of Cu and Mo improved hardenability of the alloy. Similar (where hardness trend was shifting from high to medium) and
observation was expressed by Lindsley and Rutz [25] and they re- 76.2 mm (the last point of the hardness measurement) respectively
ported that at Mo content of 0.5 and above with 2Cu-0.6C, steels for each Jominy specimen.
can be sinter-hardened at cooling rates of 1.6 and 2.2  C/s. Beyond 2
inch distance slight drop in hardness was observed and approxi- 3.2.1. Fe-0.7C (plain carbon) alloy
mately 27 HRC was exhibited at the 3 inch point. Various optical microstructures observed in Fe-0.7C alloy at
Alloy containing 1wt% Mo exhibited a similar hardenability 3 mm, 15 mm and 76.2 mm from the quench end are shown in
profile as exhibited by 0.5wt% Mo alloy but both the hardness Fig. 2(aec) respectively and a representative SEM image at higher
values as well as the depth of hardness was higher as compared to magnification is shown in Fig. 2(d).
the 0.5wt% Mo specimen. In this sample, maximum 47.4 HRC Microstructure of plain carbon steel at 3 mm from the quench
hardness was observed near quench end and more than 40 HRC end consisted mainly of ferrite and fine pearlite structures (Fig. 2a).
could be maintained at ½ inch distance from the quench end. Here No martensite was observed which depicted the poor hardenability
also hardenability curve flattened out and J depth was increased to and it also supports the hardness values exhibited (25e26 HRC) in
44 (approx. 70 mm). the hardenability plot of this alloy (Fig. 1). The microstructure at
Increasing Mo content to 1.5wt% further shifted the harden- 15 mm showed again a ferrite-pearlite structure in which ferrite
ability curve to higher hardness values and exhibited increased portion increased and pearlite portion decreased (Fig. 2b) as
hardenability of the alloy. A maximum hardness of 48 HRC was compared to the previous microstructure (Fig. 2a). Slow cooling
observed near the quench end and almost 27% increase in peak also altered the pearlite spacing (making it coarser) and corre-
hardness was observed as compared to 0wt% Mo specimen. Higher sponded well to the drop in hardness value (22 HRC) of the alloy at
values of hardness were maintained for greater distance from the this position in the hardenability plot. A higher magnification SEM
quench end and substantial improvement in J depth was observed. image also manifested this which shows a ferrite-pearlite structure
The sample was completely through hardened with J depth of 48 (3 in Fig. 2 (d). Considerable amount of ferrite with some coarse
inch/76.2 mm). The Jominy curve for 1.5wt% Mo with Fee2Cu-0.7C pearlite was observed in the microstructures at the last point of
composition substantiates the effect of Mo on the hardenability of hardness measurement in the hardenability plot which justified the
FeeCueC alloys. Due to this 1.5wt% Mo base is preferred in Cu corresponding hardness value (88e90 HRB). The increase in ferrite
containing steels whereas 0.85wt% Mo base is preferred in Ni- amount/content and coarsening of pearlite as one move away from
containing steel in commercially available pre alloyed powders the quench end can be attributed to slower cooling rates which is
[25]. an established fact in plain C steels. Typical observations of hard-
Addition of 2wt% Mo alloy also exhibited the same trend of enability response of plain carbon steel advocates addition of
hardenability as that was observed in 1.5wt% Mo alloy. But no various alloying elements in the steel to improve its properties and
significant increase in hardness was observed. Specimen got hardenability.
through hardened with J depth of >48. However, addition of 3wt%
Mo exhibited some further improvement in the hardenability as 3.2.2. Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy
compared to 1.5wt% Mo alloy. Further, around 31.5% increase in Optical microstructures of Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy at various loca-
peak hardness was observed compared to 0wt% Mo specimen. tions as described earlier are shown in Fig. 3(aec) respectively
Maximum 50 HRC hardness was observed at the initial points from while a representative SEM image of higher magnification is shown
the quench end and considerable high hardness (>48HRC) was as Fig. 3(d). Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy exhibited different microstructures
maintained upto 10 mm from the quench end. Further, specimen compared to the Fe-0.7C (plain carbon steel). Further, increase in
got through hardened and drop in hardness values with distance grain size was also exhibited due to higher austenitizing temper-
got very sluggish. As a effect more than 34 HRC hardness was ature (1050  C) compared to plain carbon steel (950  C). Increase
constantly maintained till the end of 4 inch sample length which grain size helped in increasing hardenability as increased grain size
resulted in a J depth of 56 (85 mm) for 3wt% Mo specimen which would provide reduced grain boundary area which acts as nucle-
was highest among all alloy compositions under the present ating site for pearlite formation and therefore, reduces the chances
investigation. for pearlite formation. The effect of 2wt% Cu addition in Fe-0.7C
alloy is clearly visible in the microstructures and substantiates
3.2. Microstructural characterization the improved hardenability and hardness values of Fee2Cu-0.7C
alloy in the hardenability plot (Fig. 1) as compared to Fe-0.7C alloy.
Metallography analysis was carried out along the length of Presence of martensite immediately below the quench end (Fig. 3a)
Jominy test specimen in order to understand the effect of differ- supports the increased hardness values exhibited by the alloy in the
ential cooling rate on the microstructural development in each corresponding hardenability plot. At greater distance from the
alloy which was responsible for the measured hardness values. quench end (15 mm), the microstructure turned to a complex
Due to different cooling rates along the length of test specimen, structure consisting of mainly ferrite - pearlite e bainite (Fig. 3b)
austenite transformed to either martensite (diffusion less process) due to lower cooling rate which corresponded to an apparent
or a mixture of ferrite-pearlite (involving diffusion). Above two hardness of around 30 HRC. Formation of upper and lower bainite
transformations are competitive and martensite is formed with along with presence of small volume fraction of lamellar pearlite is
faster cooling rate which is fast enough to avoid the slower for- observed at high magnification in the SEM image (Fig. 3d). At
mation of ferrite-pearlite. Addition of Mo in FeeCueC alloy, slowed 76.2 mm distance from quench end, the microstructure exhibited
down the ferrite/pearlite reaction and yields martensite to be ob- only ferrite and lamellar pearlite structure (Fig. 3c). Comparative
tained at slower cooling rates, depending on Mo content. During good hardenability response of Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy was attributed to
S.S. Rathore, V.V. Dabhade / Journal of Alloys and Compounds 664 (2016) 133e140 137

Fig. 2. Optical microstructures observed in Fe-0.7C alloy at (a) 3 mm, (b) 15 mm, (c) 76.2 mm and (d) SEM image at 15 mm from the quench end, F:Ferrite, FP:Fine pearlite.

Fig. 3. Optical microstructures observed in Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy at (a) 3 mm, (b) 15 mm, (c) 76.2 mm and (d) SEM image at 15 mm from the quench end, F:Ferrite, FP:Fine pearlite, LP:
Lamellar pearlite UB:Upper bainite, LB:Lower bainite, M:Martensite.

good homogeneity of Cu due to the liquid phase sintering exhibited 3.2.3. Fee2Cu-0.7C-0.5Mo alloy
by the Cu addition. Optical microstructures of Fee2Cu-0.7C-0.5Mo alloy at various
locations as described earlier are shown in Fig. 4(aec) and a
138 S.S. Rathore, V.V. Dabhade / Journal of Alloys and Compounds 664 (2016) 133e140

Fig. 4. Optical microstructures observed in Fee2Cu-0.7C-0.5Mo alloy at (a) 3 mm, (b) 15 mm, (c) 76.2 mm and (d) SEM image at 76.2 mm from the quench end, M:Martensite,
UB:Upper bainite.

representative SEM image as Fig. 4(d) showing structure at higher martensite as predominant structure along the entire length of the
magnification. sample (Fig. 5aec) and that coincides well with the hardness values
All above microstructures depicted the increased hardenability observed in the corresponding hardenability plot in Fig. 1. The
of the alloy due to Mo addition and substantiates the significant higher magnification martensitic structure is shown in SEM image
effect of Mo on the hardenability of steel due to martensitic-bainitic (Fig. 5d). The sample showed through hardened with J depth
structures. As addition of Mo shifts the CCT curve to the right, it >85 mm. At 76.2 mm distance from the quench end some bainite
delays the ferrite-pearlite transformation and encourages bainite formation was also exhibited (Fig. 5c). It is attributed to higher
transformation. It is clear from the microstructures (Fig. 4aec) content of Mo, as higher Mo favours bainitic transformations which
wherein no pearlite formation was seen and onset of the bainitic resulted into corresponding drop in hardness value towards other
transformation was observed. Complete bainitic structure was end of sample (Fig. 1).
revealed even at the farthest point of hardness measurement i.e. at The above results also apparent that due to higher austenitizing
76.2 mm from the quench end (Fig. 4c & d). Immediately below the temperature (1050  C) in the present investigation, complete
quench end, martensite was the predominant phase and at 4 mm dissolution of alloy content (Cu and Mo) has been achieved. High
distance from the quench end microstructure exhibited mostly austenitizing temperature is desirable in high Mo P/M alloys as
martensite and upper bainite (Fig. 4a) which is reflected in the addition of Mo shifts the eutectoid point to lower carbon contents
hardness values in corresponding hardenability plot of this alloy and raises the eutectoid point to substantially higher temperature
(Fig. 1). The influence of cooling rate on the formation of various for a given carbon content. At higher austenitizing temperature
microstructural phases like martensite-bainite-ferrite and their both Mo and C remained in the solution which is a favourable state
content could be seen from Fig. 4(a & b). At about 15 mm distance for determining the hardenability rather than in form of carbides of
from the quench end, the structure was prevalently constituted of Mo. As both Mo and C influence the hardenability of steel signifi-
bainite with some amount of martensite and ferrite. If we compare cantly and presence of Mo and C in form of carbides results in loss
the microstructural features and corresponding apparent hardness of hardenability. That is the case likely to occur when lower aus-
values exhibited by Fee2Cu-0.7C alloy with the Fee2Cu-0.7C- tenitizing temperature are employed and complete effect of alloy-
0.5Mo alloy, it is evident that copper alone has marginal effect on ing will not be apparent. In the present investigation, overall good
the transformation behaviour and hardenability of the steel but hardenability response was observed by Mo addition in FeeCueC
when added with 0.5wt% Mo considerable improved hardenability alloys. Better results could be expected if austenitizing was realized
response could be achieved. in controlled/reducing atmosphere with standard size of Jominy
specimen (25 mm diameter). Due to experimentation limitations
3.2.4. Fee2Cu-0.7C-3.0Mo alloy possible loss of carbon as austenitizing was carried out in air and
Optical microstructures of Fee2Cu-0.7C-0.5Mo alloy at various secondly, changed cooling rates in the sub-size specimen during
locations as described earlier are shown in Fig. 5(aec) and a quenching could change hardenability plots to some extent in the
representative SEM image (Fig. 5d) showing structure at higher present investigation. Dissolution of both Cu and Mo in the matrix
magnification. form secondary pores due to formation of liquid phase and these
The resulting microstructures of 3wt% Mo addition exhibited pores are evident in all specimen [17]. However, secondary pores
S.S. Rathore, V.V. Dabhade / Journal of Alloys and Compounds 664 (2016) 133e140 139

Fig. 5. Optical microstructures observed in Fee2Cu-0.7C-3.0Mo alloy at (a) 3 mm, (b) 15 mm, (c) 76.2 mm and (d) SEM image at 4 mm from the quench end, M:Martensite,
UB:Upper bainite.

appeared more in 3wt% Mo specimen due to formation of higher mostly ferrite-pearlite structure along the length of spec-
amount of liquid phase as evident in Fig. 5a and due to these sec- imen and can be characterized as low hardenability alloys.
ondary pores probably some loss of hardness and hardenability is (6) Use of higher austenitizing temperature was proved to be
likely to take place in higher Mo content specimens. helpful for high hardenability response of Mo containing
alloys to ensure both Mo and C be in solution and not in form
of carbides.

4. Conclusions
References
Following conclusions were drawn from the present study.
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