EFFECT OF AUSTENITIZATION AND COOLING MEDIUM ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 12 % MANGANESE STEEL

Authors

  • Salim Khima University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Laboratory of Mechanics, Materials, and Energetics (L2ME)
  • Rassim Younes University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Laboratory of Mechanics, Materials, and Energetics (L2ME)
  • Tomków Jacek Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology Politechnika Gdańska / Gdańsk University of Technology G. Narutowicza 11/12
  • Abdelhamid Sadeddine University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Laboratory of Mechanics, Materials, and Energetics (L2ME)
  • Mohand Amokrane Bradai University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Laboratory of Mechanics, Materials, and Energetics (L2ME)
  • Abderrahim Benabbas Laboratory Processes for Materials, Energy, Water and Environment. Faculty of Sciences and Applied Sciences. University of Bouira

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59957/jctm.v61.i2.2026.16

Keywords:

manganese steel, heat treatment, quenching medium, microstructure, wear and tear.

Abstract

This study evaluates the mechanical properties of high manganese steel used in manufacturing hammers and grinding jaws, which reduce rocks into small particles. Four austenitization heat treatments (1025°C, 1050°C, 1075°C, and 1100°C) were applied, followed by quenching in water and ice water. Samples were characterized for microstructural and structural properties, as well as phase identification, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microhardness measurements revealed an increase in hardness from 436 HV0.2 for samples quenched in water at 1025°C to 680 HV0.2 for samples quenched in ice water at 1050°C. Impact resistance testing showed a resilience increase from 20 J cm-2 for samples treated at 1075°C in water to 161.27 J cm-2 for those treated at 1050°C in ice water. Tribological testing indicated a wear rate reduction from 6.23.10-4 mg m-1 for samples quenched in water to 0.3.10-4 mg m-1 for samples quenched in ice water. XRD results revealed an austenite solid solution phase across all samples, with additional martensitic and Mn7C3 - type carbide phases in those quenched in ice water. SEM analysis confirmed that manganese steel, austenitized for 45 min and quenched in water, shows coarse-grain carbide aggregates within an austenitic matrix. In contrast, samples quenched in ice water exhibit a compact matrix with fine-grain Mn7C3 - type carbides and martensite, resulting in enhanced mechanical performance. The 12 % Mn steel, austenitized at 1050°C and quenched in ice water, demonstrated the optimal combination of impact resistance and wear resistance.

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Published

2026-03-04

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Vol. 61 No. 2 (2026)

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