Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hadfield Steel Matrix Composite Reinforced with Dispersed High Chromium Cast Iron

In this paper, the Hadfield steel matrix composite reinforced with dispersed high chromium cast iron (HCCI) was prepared by using the hot-rolling forming method. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the bimetal composites were analyzed. The experimental results showed that the brittle HCCI was necked and broken into uneven blocks or particles after hot-rolling deformation. The fractured hard HCCI was encased in Hadfield steel to form HCCI-reinforced Hadfield steel composite. Hot rolling results in good metallurgical bonding of the two metals, and Mn, Cr, Fe and Si elements were diffused at the interface. The wear property of the composite was higher than that of Hadfield steel. The hard HCCI played an important role in protecting the Hadfield steel matrix from wearing. The average impact toughness of the composite reached 38.2 J cm⁻². The impact property of the composite was between Hadfield steel and HCCI, but significantly higher than that of as-cast iron.