Transformation characteristics of functionally graded steels produced by electroslag remelting

In this work, functionally graded steel has been produced via diffusion of the alloying elements during electroslag refining. As the alloying element diffuses, it creates alternating regions. with different transformation characteristics. Thus, it is possible to obtain steel composites with various combinations of ferrite, bainite, martensite, and austenite phases. By choosing the appropriate thickness of the slices used to set up the consumable electrodes and subsequent heat treatment, different functionally graded phases may be produced. The diffusion coefficients of chromium, nickel, and carbon atoms at temperatures just above the melting point of iron were estimated. Also, the thicknesses of the emerging bainite and martensite phases were determined and are in good agreement with the experimental results.