Effect of nanostructured bainite on M/Bn composite microstructure and mechanical properties of GCr15 bearing steel

doi:10.13251/j.issn.0254-6051.2025.05.007

Abstract

Abstract: By oil quenching and 200 ℃ isothermal salt quenching for GCr15 bearing steel, composite structures (M/B_n) with martensite (M) and different contents of nano bainite (B_n) were obtained. The microstructure, hardness, and impact properties of the GCr15 bearing steel were characterized by means of scanning electron microscope, Rockwell hardness tester and impact testing machine to investigate the effect of nano bainite content in M/B_n composite microstructure on the microstructure and properties of the GCr15 bearing steel. The results show that the microstructure of oil quenched GCr15 bearing steel is mainly composed of spherical particle carbides, tempered martensite, and retained austenite. After isothermal salt quenching, the microstructure of bearing steel is mainly composed of spherical carbides, tempered martensite, bainite, retained austenite, and secondary precipitated fine carbides. The hardness of GCr15 steel gradually decreases with the increase of content of nano bainite. After austenitizing at 860 ℃, salt bath at 200 ℃ for 2 h, and then tempering at 200 ℃, the hardness of the M/B_n composite structure is equivalent to that of the fully martensitic microstructure obtained by austenitizing at 845 ℃, oil quenching and then tempering at 155 ℃. At this time, the content of nano bainite in the steel with M/B_n composite structure is 47%, with a hardness of 61.5 HRC, while that of the steel with fully martensitic microstructure is 61.1 HRC. Compared with the impact absorbed energy (7.67 J) of the steel with fully martensitic microstructure, the impact absorbed energy (9.92 J) of the steel with M/B_n composite structure is increased by 29.34%, indicating that under similar hardness, the M/B_n composite structure achieves better comprehensive mechanical properties.

Key words: GCr15 bearing steel, nano bainite, M/B_n composite structure, hardness, impact property

CLC Number:

TG142.4

Zhou Lina, Yang Xiaofeng, Ma Jianpeng, Wei Yinghua, Yu Xingfu. Effect of nanostructured bainite on M/B_n composite microstructure and mechanical properties of GCr15 bearing steel[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 40-45.

References

[1] 付云峰, 徐德祥, 陆佰亮. 国内轴承钢的生产现状及发展[J]. 特殊钢, 2002(6): 30-32.
Fu Yunfeng, Xu Dexiang, Lu Bailiang. Present status and development of bearing steel production in China[J]. Special Steel, 2002(6): 30-32.
[2] 杨欢. 国内轴承钢行业发展现状及趋势[J]. 中国钢铁业, 2019(7): 32-36.
[3] 朱祖昌, 杨弋涛. 第一代、第二代和第三代轴承钢及其热处理技术的研究进展(一)[J]. 热处理技术与装备, 2018, 39(6): 70-76.
Zhu Zuchang, Yang Yitao. Investigative advancement in first, second and third generational bearing steel and heat treatment technics(Ⅰ)[J]. Heat Treatment Technology and Equipment, 2018, 39(6): 70-76.
[4] 符云龙, 张旭, 魏秀军. 轴承钢发展现状及发展趋势[J]. 山西冶金, 2023, 46(11): 80-81.
Fu Yunlong, Zhang Xu, Wei Xiujun. Development status and trend of bearing steel[J]. Shanxi Metallurgy, 2023, 46(11): 80-81.
[5] 何加群. 中国工业强国战略和轴承产业[J]. 轴承, 2015(1): 55-63.
He Jiaqun. China's industrial power strategy and bearing industry[J]. Bearing, 2015(1): 55-63.
[6] 李晓凯, 信瑞山, 俞占扬, 等. 稀土Ce含量对GCr15SiMn轴承钢冲击性能的影响[J]. 轴承, 2024(3): 58-62, 68.
Li Xiaokai, Xin Ruishan, Yu Zhanyang, et al. Effect of rare earth Ce content on impact properties of GCr15SiMn bearing steel[J]. Bearing, 2024(3): 58-62, 68.
[7] 薛冰, 陈世洪, 任永胜, 等. 回火热处理对GCr15轴承钢显微组织和力学性能的影响[J]. 山东理工大学学报(自然科学版), 2021, 35(2): 73-76.
Xue Bing, Chen Shihong, Ren Yongsheng, et al. Effect of tempering heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of GCr15 bearing steel[J]. Journal of Shandong University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2021, 35(2): 73-76.
[8] 陈茂光, 张忠奎. G8Cr15与GCr15轴承钢热处理工艺与性能对比分析[J]. 热加工工艺, 2020, 49(10): 135-138.
Chen Maoguang, Zhang Zhongkui. Comparison and analysis of heat treatment process and properties of G8Cr15 and GCr15 bearing steels[J]. Hot Working Technology, 2020, 49(10): 135-138.
[9] 杨建虹, 雷建中, 叶健熠, 等. 轴承钢洁净度对轴承疲劳寿命的影响[J]. 轴承, 2001(5): 28-30.
[10] 刘震寰, 李勇翰, 刘洋, 等. GCr15轴承钢时效过程碳化物的演化行为[J]. 材料研究学报, 2024, 38(2): 130-140.
Liu Zhenhuan, Li Yonghan, Liu Yang, et al. Carbide evolution behavior of GCr15 bearing steel during aging process[J]. Chinese Journal of Materials Research, 2024, 38(2): 130-140.
[11] 张增歧, 常保良, 梁华, 等. 贝氏体等温淬火工艺在轧机轴承上的应用[J]. 轴承, 1998(2): 24-28.
[12] 张增歧, 刘耀中, 樊志强.贝氏体等温淬火及其在轴承上的应用[J]. 材料热处理学报, 2003, 23(1): 57-60.
Zhang Zengqi, Liu Yaozhong, Fan Zhiqiang. Austempering and its application in bearing[J]. Transactions of Materials and Heat Treatment, 2003, 23(1): 57-60.
[13] 刘耀中, 江涛. GCr15钢贝氏体淬火及其在铁路轴承上的应用[J]. 轴承, 1994(9): 32-37.
[14] Bhadeshia H K D H. Steels for bearings[J]. Progress in Materials Science, 2012, 57: 268-435.
[15] 江涛, 梅亚莉, 雷建中, 等.高碳铬轴承钢贝氏体淬火工艺的应用[J]. 轴承, 1998(3): 15-18.
[16] 张福成, 杨志南, 雷建中, 等. 贝氏体钢在轴承中的应用进展[J]. 轴承, 2017(1): 54-64.
Zhang Fucheng, Yang Zhinan, Lei Jianzhong, et al. Application progress of bainite steel in bearings[J]. Bearing, 2017(1): 54-64.
[17] Caballero F G, Bhadeshia H K D H, Mawella K J A, et al. Very strong low temperature bainite[J]. Materials Science and Technology, 2002, 18: 279-284.
[18] Bhadeshia H K D H. Nanostructured bainite[J]. Proceedings of the Royal Society A, 2010, 466: 3-18.
[19] Caballero F G, Bhadeshia H K D H. Very strong bainite[J]. Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science, 2004, 8(3/4): 251-257.
[20] Zhang F C, Yang Z N. Development of and perspective on high-performance nanostructured bainitic bearing steel[J]. Engineering, 2019, 5(2): 319-328.
[21] 尤绍军, 毛玉红, 姜长英. 高碳铬轴承钢马贝复合组织淬火新技术[J]. 轴承, 2012(4): 13-15.
[22] 蒋琪, 陈文雄, 李源, 等. 碳化物尺寸对低合金超高强钢断裂韧性的影响[J]. 特钢技术, 2024, 30(1): 15-19.
Jiang Qi, Chen Wenxiong, Li Yuan, et al. The effect of carbides size on fracture toughness of HSLA[J]. Special Steel Technology, 2024, 30(1): 15-19.
[23] 程世超, 杨卯生, 孙世清. 奥氏体化温度对低碳铬钼镍轴承钢晶粒尺寸、碳化物及韧性的影响规律[J]. 河北科技大学学报, 2020, 41(1): 58-65.
Cheng Shichao, Yang Maosheng, Sun Shiqing. Effect of austenitizing temperature on grain size, carbides and toughness of low C-Cr-Mo-Ni bearing steel[J]. Journal of Hebei University of Science and Technology, 2020, 41(1): 58-65.
[24] Deng X T, Fu T L, Wang Z D, et al. Epsilon carbide precipitation and wear behaviour of low alloy wear resistant steels[J]. Materials Science and Technology, 2016, 32(4): 320-327.

Effect of nanostructured bainite on M/B_n composite microstructure and mechanical properties of GCr15 bearing steel

PDF

Knowledge

Abstract

Cite this article

share this article

References

Related Articles 15

Recommended Articles

Metrics

Comments

[1]	Xie Zhaoyuan, Yin Defu, Jiang Ting, Zhou Dayuan, Wang Kaizhong, Ding Lei. Formation and elimination of abnormal ultra-fine microstructure on surface of GCr15 bearing steel bar [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 27-32.
[2]	Zhao Jiali, Song Jinhao, Xin Ruishan, Zhang Xinjie, Shang Xuyang, Zhao Leijie, Wang Yanhui. Surface microstructure and properties of a novel carburized 22Cr2Ni3SiMo bearing steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 66-71.
[3]	Zhao Zibo, Hui Weijun, Zhao Xiaoli, Zheng Hongwei, Jiang Ye, Wang Shuai. Effect of nickel on CCT curve and hardenability of a Si-Mn-Cr-B type ultrahigh strength spring steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 72-78.
[4]	Yuan Zhizhong, Niu Zongran, Wang Zhiyuan, Ju Yulin, Xu Huixia, Liao Jun, Yu Yang, Cheng Xiaonong. Effect of solution time on microstructure and properties of powder stainless steel D41A [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 132-139.
[5]	Chen Xuan, Fu Rong, Zong Lin, Wu Minghui, Mao Xinguo, Li Xinxin, Zhai Qinghua, He Xijuan. Effect of tempering process on microstructure and mechanical properties of SDP1Cu plastic die steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 181-188.
[6]	Xin Xin, Zhang Yuhui, Zhou Kai, Fan Pengju, Jin Guo. Effect of QPQ nitriding temperature on microstructure and properties of 32Cr3MoVE steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 195-201.
[7]	Li Liqun, Wang Lianjin, Wang Guangchao, Chen Weihua. Low-pressure vacuum carburizing process for 16CrNi4MoA steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(5): 202-207.
[8]	Bai Li, Liu Meng'en, Wang Fangli, Peng Li. Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and hardness of Fe₃₅Mn₃₅Ni₁₀Cr₁₀Al₁₀ high entropy alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 34-39.
[9]	Sun Jianchang, Niu Zepeng, Mu Hongmin, Wu Zhuojie, Ma Guoqiang, Yu Yanchong, Han Jianchao. Effect of rare earth Ce on microstructure and properties of low alloy wear-resistant steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 40-47.
[10]	Chen Li, Gao Jianwen, Zhang Ke, Wei Hongyu, Zhang Mingya. Continuous cooling transformation behavior of a novel low-alloy ferritic low-temperature steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 95-100.
[11]	Sun Xiqing, Liu Quanbin, Li Qiukui, Yang Bo, Li Chuncheng. Thermodynamic calculation and experimental analysis on precipitation behavior of V(C, N) in vanadium microalloyed steels [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 101-105.
[12]	Yang Gangzhengliang, Cao Tieshan, Wang Wei, Li Ping, Zhao Jie. Effect of long-term aging on microstructure and hardness of DZ411 alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 128-133.
[13]	Zhang Congrui, Liu Tao, Zhao Fan, Ding Yi, Liu Xinhua. Effects of annealing temperature and time on microstructure and properties of Cu-Al composites [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 193-199.
[14]	Cao Ping, Wang Guobo, Chen Dengwu, Su Cheng. Effects of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of RAFM steel extruded tube [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 207-212.
[15]	Yu Xiang, Yuan Qinfeng, Chen Yan, Liu Tao. Influence of annealing treatment on microstructure and hardness of near-α TA15 titanium alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(4): 241-246.