Papers by Author: Jérôme Tchoufang Tchuindjang

Abstract: Two HSS grades (A and B) belonging to the complex system Fe-Cr-C-Si-X, where X is a strong carbide-forming element such as V, Mb or W, were studied. Samples in the as-received conditions came from an industrial spin casting process, with a varying cooling rate during processing. Chemical compositions of both alloys were closed to each other and were chosen to enhance their hardenability and to avoid less resistant phases such as pearlite and ferrite. Differential Thermal Analysis was performed on both alloys, in order to increase their crystallization behaviour. Light microscopy and SEM associated with EDS analyses were done to characterize the microstructure of both alloys in the as-received conditions and after DTA trials. The matrix of both HSS grades was composed of eutectic carbides, martensite and retained austenite, these phases exhibiting similar chemical compositions in both alloys. Unexpected pearlite was found in the as-cast HSS alloy B without W, this grade containing more Mo, more V and less Cr than the HSS grade A. It appeared from DTA tests that pearlite found in the alloy B arose more from the destabilisation of the Cr-rich retained austenite associated with the plate-like M₂C carbide, than from the matrix itself. In fact, pearlite zones located in the vicinity of M₂C are due to related isothermal solid phase transformations form the previous austenitic eutectic phase that is enriched with Cr and Mo.

Abstract: Two High Alloyed Cast Irons (HACI) were studied, both belonging to the Fe-C-Cr-Si-X system where X represented a strong carbide forming element. One of these alloys was obtained after adding Nb, V and Ti to the chemical composition of the other alloy. Raw materials originated from spun cast rolls for hot strip mill were submitted to different heat treatments routes, in order to study the influence of alloying elements on the microstructure. Both HACI grades contained a mixture of martensite and retained austenite matrix in the as-cast conditions and after quenching. Differential Thermal Analysis was carried out on the heat treated samples in order to determine the phase transformations occurring during re-melting and subsequent solidification sequence. Diffusionless transformations leading to various types of martensite were found in the matrix. Bulky NbC carbides precipitating at the beginning of the solidification process strongly influence the nature and the rate of the subsequent diffusional phase transformations, particularly for HACI grade with Nb, V and Ti additions. Quantitative metallography was done to determine graphite, NbC carbides, cementite and matrix volume fraction in HACI studied grades.