한국주조공학회

This study has been performed to investigate the austempering heat treatment response and mechanical properties of a high carbon(0.9%), silicon(1.5-4.5%)-alloyed cast steel, with a chemical composition similar to that of the matrix of a ductile cast iron. Tensile and hardness tests were used to evaluate the effects of a wide variety of austempering heat treatment variables. SEM metallography and X-ray measurements of stabilized austenite were also performed for all the specimens employed. The austempered microstructures which contain up to 39% stabilized austenite were obtained. Mechanical properties and microstructures depended primarily on the austempering time and temperature. The optimum mechanical properties were obtained at the chemical compositions of 0.9% C and 2.5% Si.