Effects of high-temperature deformation and cooling process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an ultrahigh-strength pearlite steel

In this study, a new type of pearlite steel, 80CrSiV, is designed and the effects of the cooling rate, final cooling temperature, deformation temperature and level of deformation on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the steel are determined through thermal simulation, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, hardness and tensile tests. Results show that the microstructures and mechanical properties of the steel are significantly affected by the cooling rate after deformation and the final cooling temperature but are only slightly affected by the deformation temperature and level of deformation. A full pearlite microstructure with a hardness of HRC50.3, a tensile strength of 1715 MPa and an elongation not less than 17.9% can be obtained under the condition of a cooling rate of 120 degrees C.min(-1) and a final cooling temperature of 550 degrees C. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.