Microstructure evolution in hot worked steel after heating to semi-solid state.

Metal alloys can be formed successfully in a partially liquid state if they display a particular globular microstructure. The article presents an analysis of a study carried out of the development, by means of the strain-induced melt-activated method, of such a microstructure for an X210CrW12 steel. Hot rolled samples, with subsequent cooling, were heated to the temperature range at which the liquid and solid phases coexist in the material. The spheroidal shapes for solid particles, required for semi-solid processing, were found. The investigations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive spectroscopy.