Influence of silicon content on the precipitation of secondary carbides and fatigue properties of a 5%Cr tempered martensitic steel

In comparison with the conventional AISI H11 tool steel, which contains approximately 1 wt.% silicon, the modified steel AISI H11 (∼0.35 wt.% silicon) exhibits improved tensile and fatigue properties at 550 °C - the estimated tool surface temperature during the high-pressure injection of aluminium alloys. The effect of silicon on the stability of secondary carbides was studied using transmission electron microscopy and small-angle neutron scattering. Silicon has a considerable influence on the precipitation of secondary carbides. A higher volume fraction and density of small particles were observed in the low-silicon-grade steel, both after heat treatment and after fatigue testing. The final discussion focuses on the influence of silicon in the precipitation sequence. It is concluded that silicon has a detrimental effect as it shifts the secondary hardening peak towards lower tempering temperatures.