Effects of Ti, V, and rare earth on the mechanical properties of austempered high silicon cast steel

The microstructure and mechanical properties of austempered high silicon cast steel pro and after treating with a modifier containing titanium, vanadium, and rare earth metals (so-called Ti-V-RE modifier) and austempered at different temperatures are investigated. The results show that the dendritic austempered structure and the blocky retained austenite are reduced after treating with the Ti-V-RE modifier. The modification can obviously improve the mechanical properties of austempered high silicon cast steel. The austempering temperature at which the optimum impact toughness is obtained shifts from about 320 °C for the steel unmodified to about 360 °C for the steel modified. High impact toughness is obtained in austempered high silicon cast steel high silicon cast steel when the retained austenite amount is about 15 to 25 pct for the modified steel and 20 to 35 pct for the unmodified steel.