Effect of SiZr Modification on the Microstructure and Properties of High Manganese Cast Steel

The paper presents the results of research on GX120Mn13 modification performed with the SiZr38 inoculant. The microstructure of Hadfield cast steel in as-cast condition was studied through optical microscopy before and after inoculant introduction into the liquid steel. After heat treatment, mechanical properties and wear resistance tests were conducted to analyse the influence of the inoculant. The wear rate was determined according to the Standard Test Method for Determination of Slurry Abrasivity (ASTM G-75). The results show that average grain diameter, area of eqiuaxed grains crystallization and secondary dendrite arm spacing were lower after inoculation. After inoculation, the ultimate tensile strength and proof strength were higher by 8% and 4% respectively, in comparison to the initial state. The results of abrasion wear tests show that the introduction of 0.02 wt. % of zirconium significantly improved wear resistance, which was 34% better in comparison to steel without zirconium.