On the microstructure and properties of 100Cr6 steel processed in the semi-solid state

After semi-solid treatment and rapid quenching, bearing steel 100Cr6 exhibits a martensitic structure with a large amount of retained austenite along the grain boundaries. The toughness values are significantly lower than after conventional hardening, even when the alloys are post-processed by an additional heat treatment step. Slow cooling from the freezing range results in a reduced amount of retained austenite and improved toughness properties. The low impact toughness values of the rapidly cooled conditions are associated with the appearance of intergranular fracture, while the slowly cooled condition fails in a transgranular manner. The structural development and the mechanical behaviour are explained by severe segregation of the main alloying elements during solidification, but also by sulphur enrichment in the remaining liquid phase. Chain-like precipitates of MnS are formed along the grain boundaries, similar to the well-known ‘burning’ phenomenon of low-alloyed steels.