Fabrication and Characteristic Evaluation of Hybrid Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced SKD11 Cold Work Tool Steel

Abstract

································································································································································································································Abstract SKD11 (ASTM D2) tool steel is a versatile high-carbon, high-chromium, air-hardening tool steel that is characterized by a relatively high attainable hardness and numerous, large, chromium rich alloy carbide in the microstructure. SKD11 tool steel provides an effective combination of wear resistance and toughness, tool performance, price, and a wide variety of product forms. The CNTs was good additives to improve the mechanical properties of metal. In this study, 1, 3 vol% CNTs was dispersed in SKD11 matrix by mechanical alloying. The SKD11+ CNT hybrid nanocomposites were investigated by FE-SEM, particle size distribution, hardness and wear resistance. The CNT was well dispersed in the SKD11 matrix and the mechanical properties of the composite were improved by CNTs addition. It shows good feasibility as cold work die tool.