Low temperature bainite microstructure and corrosion resistance of novel microalloyed bearing steel

doi:10.13251/j.issn.0254-6051.2025.05.003

Abstract

Abstract: Novel microalloyed bearing steel GCr15Si1MoV was performed with austempering treatment above Ms and tempering. The effects of different austempering processes on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the tested steel were studied by means of scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and electrochemical workstation. The results show that the microstructure of the tested steel after austempering and tempering is mainly composed of bainite, film-like retained austenite and a small amount of tempered martensite, with distribution of spherical undissolved carbides. After austempering at 200 ℃ for 24 h, the steel achieves the best corrosion resistance. With the extension of austempering time, the volume fraction of retained austenite decreases with its increasing stability, resulting in an improvement in the corrosion resistance of the tested steel. When austempered for 24 h, as the austempering temperature increases, the corrosion resistance of the tested steel first increases and then decreases. The increase in content of undissolved carbides reduces the corrosion resistance of the steel.

Key words: novel microalloyed bearing steel, low temperature bainite, retained austenite, undissolved carbides, corrosion resistance

CLC Number:

TG142.3

Zhu Lihua, Zhang Yinping, Liu Baisong, Feng Wenjing, Li Li, Qin Feng, Zhang Xinjie, Wang Yanhui. Low temperature bainite microstructure and corrosion resistance of novel microalloyed bearing steel[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 16-21.

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