Effect of ferrovanadium inoculation on microstructure and properties of high speed steel

The effect of ferrovanadium inoculation on the microstructure and properties of high speed steel (HSS) used for rolls was studied. The results showed that the as-cast eutectic carbide network tends to be broken after ferrovanadium inoculation, and the carbides are changed to rod-like or nodular shape. After heat treatment, the carbides in the inoculated HSS are spheroidized and distributed more uniformly in the matrix. The impact toughness of high speed steel with ferrovanadium inoculation is obviously improved. The action mechanism of ferrovanadium inoculation on the microstructure of the alloy is also discussed.