Formation of Phases upon the Mechanosynthesis and Subsequent Annealing of Samples of Cementite Composition Alloyed with Chromium and Nickel

Abstract

Using X-ray, Mössbauer, and magnetic measurements, the formation of phases has been investigated upon mechanosynthesis in a ball planetary mill and upon the subsequent annealing of samples of the cementite composition (Fe_0.95–уСr_0.05Ni_y)₇₅C₂₅, where у = 0–0.20, which contains two alloying elements (chromium and nickel). It has been shown that, in the mechanosynthesis process, cementite alloyed with chromium and a small amount of nickel and an amorphous phase alloyed with chromium and nickel have been formed. Upon heating above 300°С, the amorphous phase is crystallized into nickel-enriched cementite. In the process of annealing at higher temperatures, the most nickel-rich cementite decomposes with the formation of austenite. As a consequence, after annealing at medium temperatures, the composition of the alloys contains cementite alloyed mainly with chromium and some amount of alloyed austenite, which can be found in ferromagnetic or paramagnetic states depending on the Ni content. Annealing at 800°С bring about the complete or partial decomposition of cementite contained in the alloys. The intensity of the decomposition has been determined by the nickel content in the samples.