ABSTRACT
The development of new steel grades with improved mechanical properties by the
addition of nanoparticles to microalloyed steels has recently gained attention. Misfit,
size, thermal expansion coefficient, density, wettability and stability were reported to
have an effect on the properties. The main challenge is the development of these
nanostructured constituents by modified conventional and advanced manufacturing
techniques. This work discusses the options for applying nanoinoculation techniques
to produce new nanodispersed steel grades, with improved mechanical properties. At
this stage of work submicron sized particles coated with Cu were selected in order to
avoid wettability and agglomeration problems. The inoculant was added in different
ratios starting from 0.025% up to 0.10% to the steel melt and the stirring of the melt
was secured via the induction current heating for 4 minutes. The produced alloy was
tapped in an iron ingot, and then hot forged into bars and plates. Optical microscopic
studies were performed on the new material in order to identify the microstructural
features. The wear abrasion resistance was detected using a wear test. It is shown
that these new steel grades have improved wear friction coefficients; though higher
wear rates at the studied load and time conditions. This opens a new path for
investigations on the wear resistance of nanodispersed and nanoinoculated steels.