Analysis of In Situ Mechanical Properties of Phases in High-Alloyed White Iron Measured by Grid Nanoindentation

The paper presents an analysis of the in situ mechanical properties (e.g., hardness, elastic modulus, and volume fraction) of phases in high-alloy white iron measured by grid nanoindentation statistically, to reveal the contributions of individual phase properties to the global properties of the material. The in situ mechanical properties of phases measured by grid indentation were validated through targeted indentation. Gaussian and Weibull mixture models were used in analyzing the grid nanoindentation measurements to assess the goodness-of-fit of the indentation data. The nanohardness and indentation modulus measured by grid nanoindentation were directly correlated to the microstructural characteristics of the sample materials. The statistical analysis results were also compared with the mechanical properties and volume fractions obtained using targeted indentation and quantitative metallography based on microstructure analysis to validate the statistical results. The influences of heat treatment on the microstructure, hardness, and elastic modulus of individual phases in the material are also discussed