Effect of tungsten addition on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of S355NL forging steel

Abstract

A study was made to investigate the effect of tungsten (W) addition on the microstructure, tensile properties, Vickers hardness, and corrosion resistance of S355NL forging steel. Mechanical properties were evaluated and considered in the context of the interlamellar spacing of pearlite. Microstructural analysis revealed that the addition of W favors the formation of intragranular acicular ferrite and leads to a decrease in the interlamellar spacing of pearlite. After W addition, the corrosion rust film was intact. The steel containing W showed fewer microcracks distributed in the corroded surface compared with that without W. It was concluded that the addition of W is beneficial for improvement of both the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of S355NL forging steel.