<![CDATA[This study analyzes the effect of heat-treatment temperature before Quenching on the microstructure and hardness of a Silicon-Manganese (SiMn) alloy. The specimens were subjected to heat treatment at 700°C, 800°C, and 900°C, followed by rapid cooling using water as the Quenching medium. Microstructural observations were carried out using a metallographic microscope, while mechanical properties were evaluated using the Micro Vickers hardness test in accordance with ASTM E384. The average hardness values were 738.00 HV at 700°C, 650.33 HV at 800°C, and 714.33 HV at 900°C. The 700°C specimen exhibited relatively fine martensitic microstructure with an indication of a small amount of ferrite and produced the highest hardness. The 800°C specimen showed a different microstructural distribution accompanied by the lowest hardness. At 900°C, grain growth tendency and coarser martensitic morphology were observed, while the hardness increased again but remained below the 700°C condition. The results indicate that the relationship between heat-treatment temperature and hardness is not linear. Microstructural morphology and grain size contribute to the mechanical response after Quenching. Within the tested temperature range, 700°C produced the highest hardness, while the 900°C condition showed a tendency toward coarser microstructure. These findings provide a basis for selecting heat-treatment parameters for SiMn-based engineering components.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
