Microstructure and properties of hardfacing alloy containing vanadium

The effect of vanadium on the microstructure and properties of Fe-Cr-C hardfacing alloys were investigated with four kinds of hardfacing alloys that the mass fraction of vanadium was 0.73%, 2.3%, 3.1%, 4.1% respectively. The effects of vanadium element on microstructure and mechanical properties were analyzed. The results indicate that metal matrix of hardfacing alloys transform from austenite to austenite and martensite with increasing vanadium content. The metal matrix changes into martensite completely when vanadium content is up to 4.1%. The shape of primary carbides changes form long, bulk hexangular to spherical and irregular, large numbers of secondary carbides precipitates and disperses in metal matrix of hardfacing alloys with the increase of vanadium content. The hardness and wear resistance also enhance with the increase of vanadium content.