Development of ceramic nanoparticles reinforced high Cr tool and die steels with high comprehensive performance.

Simultaneously improved impact toughness and wear resistance of high Cr tool and die steels (HCS) enable them to be widely used in the lightweight field. In this study, TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel was prepared by pre-dispersed ceramic nanoparticles combined with specific heat treatment. The effects of ceramic nanoparticles on the microstructures, mechanical properties and wear resistance of TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel were investigated by comparing it with shield machine tool steel (H13 steel). The results demonstrated that the introduction of ceramic nanoparticles refined the microstructure of the TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel and uniformed the distribution of the precipitates. For TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel and H13 steel with the equivalent hardness values, the impact toughness and the wear resistance of TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel were 67.3 % and 39.5 % higher than that of H13 steels, respectively. Moreover, when the wear resistance was comparable, the impact toughness of TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel was 89.1 % higher than that of H13 steel. This study provides an innovative solution to prepare high-service performing service life tools and die steels to replace shield machine tool steels. • Using pre-dispersed ceramic nanoparticles combing specific heat treatment to fabricate TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel. • Refined matrix microstructure, finer carbides were obtained and more uniform dispersed of TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel. • Comprehensive performance including hardness, toughness and wear resistance of TiC + TiB 2 /HCS steel was improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]