Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Unlubricated Sliding Wear Behavior of Air-Cooled MnSiCrB Cast Steels

Two medium carbon low-alloy MnSiCrB cast steels containing different Si contents (0.5 and 1.5 wt.%) were designed, and the effects of Si contents on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and unlubricated sliding wear behavior of the cast steels after air-cooling from 850 °C and subsequent tempering at 220 °C was studied. The results show that the microstructure of the cast steel containing 0.5 wt.% Si consists of granular bainite and lower bainite/martensite multi-phase. In the cast steel containing 1.5 wt.% Si, granular bainite was not observed. The microstructure consists of carbide-free bainite/martensite multi-phase. Excellent hardenability can be obtained at both low and high Si levels. The cast steel containing 0.5 wt.% Si exhibits excellent combination of strength, ductility, and impact toughness superior to the cast steel containing 1.5 wt.% Si. Also, the wear-resistance of the former steel is better than that of the latter in the unlubricated sliding wear condition. The air-cooled MnSiCrB cast steel containing low Si levels, with excellent mechanical properties and wear-resistance, is a potential high-performance and low-cost wear-resistant cast steel for unlubricated sliding wear condition.