Application of ceramic nanoparticles in microstructure manipulation and simultaneously strengthening toughness and wear resistance of tool and die steels.

Simultaneously improving the wear resistance and toughness can extend the service life of steel. In this study, nano-TiC-H13 steel was successfully fabricated by pre-dispersion nano-TiC/Al master alloy in conventional casting to simultaneously improve the wear resistance and toughness. The influence of nano-TiC ceramic particles on the microstructure, tensile properties, impact toughness, and wear behavior under the synergistic effect of high load and temperature was explored. Results indicated that nano-TiC ceramic particles can effectively refine the microstructure and promote the precipitation of the finer carbides, which significantly improved the properties of steel. The no-notch impact toughness (380.2 J/cm2), U-shaped notch impact toughness (36.6 J/cm2), and yield strength (1440 MPa) of nano-TiC-H13 increased by 12.7%, 31.2%, and 8.2%, respectively, compared with that of H13. Furthermore, the volumetric wear rate (8.2 × 10−10 m3/m) of nano-TiC-H13 under 450 °C and 30 N is decreased by 28.6% in contrast with H13. The high strength and plasticity in nano-TiC-H13 can resist the intrusion of debris and reduce plastic deformation. This work provides an innovative approach for the simultaneous improvement of the wear resistance and toughness of steel. • Nano-TiC refines the microstructure and promotes the finer precipitates distributed. • Finer microstructure inhibits stress concentration and improves strength and toughness. • Higher strength resists debris intrusion, resulting in wear resistance improvement. • Excellent toughness retards crack extension and delays failure of steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]