The Effect of Rare Earth Cerium on Microstructure and Properties of Low Alloy Wear-Resistant Steel

With the continuous expansion of the application field of low alloy wear-resistant steel, higher processing plasticity and toughness are prioritized on the basis of ensuring strength and hardness. In this article, a low alloy wear-resistant steel Hardox400 was studied: by adding a mass fraction of 0.0030% of rare earth cerium as microalloying treatment, the pilot scale simulation of the rare earth wear-resistant steel was carried out using vacuum induction furnace and a four-high reversible laboratory mill. The effects of the rare earth on the occurrence state of the inclusions, microstructure, mechanical properties and wear resistance of the steel were studied by means of optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and wet sand/rubber wheel wear tester. The results show that the fine spherical CeAlO3, CeAlO3-MnS and elliptical Ce2S2O-CaO are formed by adding 0.0030% Ce, which enhances the binding force between the inclusions and matrix. The addition of rare earth Ce helps to refine the as-cast structure, prevent the transformation of proeutectoid ferrite of overcooled austenite and promotes the formation of bainite ferrite, whilst simultaneously increasing the yield strength, yield ratio and surface hardness, especially the low-temperature impact toughness approximately between −40 °C~−20 °C of the tested steel. Simultaneously, the ability to resist abrasive embedment and crack propagation is enhanced, and the wear resistance is obviously improved. The research results will provide a reference for the development of high-quality rare earth wear-resistant steel utilizing national featured resources.