Tungsten-free hard alloys

Iron-chromium alloys, free from carbon, may be prepared from chromite by the alumino-thermic method. From a study of the cooling-and freezing-point curves it has been suggested that a compound, Cr Fe, exists, but this is questioned by Janecke, who studied the iron-chromium system by means of fusion curves and by the microscopic study of polished sections of various alloys between the limits 10 Fe 90 Cr and 90 Fe 10 Cr, and came to the conclusion that the system consists of a single eutectic which can form mixed crystals with either component. The eutectic contains 75 per cent, of chromium and melts at 1320° C. The addition of chromium to iron increases the readiness of attack by hydrochloric and sulphuric acids, but towards concentrated nitric acid the alloys are rendered passive. They remain bright in air and in water. The presence of carbon increases the resistance to acids and renders them very hard if carbon-free, they are softer than cast iron. All the alloys up to 80 per cent, chromium are magnetic. Molybdenum, titanium, vanadium, and tungsten improve the mechanical properties and increase the resistance to acids. 

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