Effects of rare earth modification on structures and properties of low-alloy cast steel

Modification treatment has one of important effects on structure and properties of wear resistant steels. The appropriate kind and amount of modification agent are effective methods to improve properties of the steels. The influence of rare earth modification on hardness and the impact toughness of low-alloy cast steel was investigated. The results show that the steel modified with 0.25% Re-Si-Fe alloy has a good comprehensive properties resulted in refine grain size and upper and lower bainite and martensite structure obtained in the substrate. Proper quantities RE-Si-Fe added can improvement the microstructure and mechanical property of low-alloy steel. It was found that less or excess rare earth in the steel results in hardness and impact toughness of low-alloy steel decreasing.