The effect of electric current pulse on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of hypereutectic high chromium cast iron was explored. The morphology of carbides in solidification microstructure was observed by an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope and the composition was determined by an electron probe micro-analyzer. The microhardness of primary carbides and corrosion resistance of samples were also compared. Under the active of electric current pulse, the microstructure of hypereutectic high chromium cast iron was homogenized and its performance improved accordingly. On treatment by electric current, the morphology of primary carbides changed from thick long rods to hexagonal blocks or granular structures. The interlayer spacing of eutectic carbide decreased from ~26.3 μm to ~17.8 μm. Size statistics showed that the average diameter of primary carbide decreased from ~220 μm to ~60 μm. As a result, microhardness increased from 1412 HV to 1511 HV. No obvious microcrack propagation was found at the microindentation sites. The average length of microcracks decreased from ~20.7 μm to ~5.7 μm. Furthermore, corrosion resistance was remarkably enhanced. The average corrosion rate decreased from 2.65 mg/cm²·h to 1.74 mg/cm²·h after pulse current treatment.
Keywords: corrosion resistance; electric current pulse; high chromium cast iron; morphology; primary carbide.