| Title |
Carbide Network Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Gas-Atomized D2 Tool Steel after HIP and QT Treatments |
| Authors |
안다영(Dayoung An) ; 박상하(Sangha Park) ; 신세은(Se-Eun Shin) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.3365/KJMM.2026.64.8.724 |
| ISSN |
1738-8228(ISSN), 2288-8241(eISSN) |
| Keywords |
Powder metallurgy; Heat-treatment; Steels; Carbides |
| Abstract |
This study investigated the effects of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and quenching-tempering (QT) treatments on the microstructure and hardness of gas-atomized D2 tool steel. Increasing the HIP temperature improved densification behavior, resulting in near-full density at 1265 °C. Subsequent QT treatment refined the carbide network structure, reducing the average network thickness from 11.17 μm to 6.46 μm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a decrease in retained austenite alongside the formation of a martensitic matrix with Cr-rich carbides after QT treatment. Consequently, significant secondary hardening was achieved, yielding the highest Vickers hardness of 778.38 HV for the specimen processed at 1265 °C. These results demonstrate that combining HIP and QT treatments is an effective approach for refining carbide morphology and enhancing the hardness of D2 tool steel. |