Tool steels which contain boron and have been processed using a rapid solidification process and method

Abstract

Iron base alloys containing chromium and refractory metals as well as 0.8 to 1.3 wt % boron are disclosed. The alloys are subjected to a rapid solidification processing (RSP) technique, producing cooling rates of about 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 .degree. C./sec. The as-quenched RSP ribbon, or powder, etc., consists primarily of a single phase with a body centered cubic structure. After appropriate heat treatments, the rapidly solidified alloys have a microstructure consisting of ultrafine hard particles of metallic carbides and borides and mixtures thereof dispersed in an iron-rich matrix. These alloys exhibit excellent corrosion resistance combined with high hardness, wear resistance and high temperature stability. These heat treated alloys have superior properties which make them suitable for many applications, where high strength and corrosion resistance are required, in particular at elevated temperature, e.g. high temperature bearings.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.