Investigations of the carbide phase and the matrix of non-ledeburitic high-speed steel with Ti and Nb by atomic absorption spectrometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy methods

This paper presents a computing procedure for the indirect assessment of the matrix composition by AAS of two-stage prepared carbide isolates. Partitioning of carbon and metallic elements between matrix and carbides has been determined. Austenitizing has caused considerable increase in Mo and Cr contents in the matrix related to dissolution of carbides of the M₆C type. Tempering resulted in a decrease in contents of elements forming M₂₃C₆ secondary carbides. Changes to the Ti and Nb contents in the matrices were relatively small in specimens given various heat treatments. The matrix of annealed steel has been shown to be carbonfree, whereas the carbon content in the tempered state is high in comparison to conventional high-speed steels.