Microstructural characterization of air quenched valve seat inserts obtained with AISI D2 tool steel

Abstract

The obtention of valve seat insert (VSI) by powder metallurgy using a mixture of iron powder and tool steel is fulfilling the requirements for substitution of cobalt and lead in commercial parts, aiming cost reduction and avoid the lead toxicity. The aim of this work consisted of evaluate the influence of heat treatment on VSI obtained with AISI D2 tool steel powder. The AISI D2 tool steel powder was mixed with iron powder and additives such as manganese sulphide, zinc stearate, graphite and carbides. The heat treatment of the VSI consisted of air quenching followed by double tempering it at 500 °C. The microstructural characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy.