Effect of deformation on microstructure and properties of steel grinding ball us using Neutron diffraction technique

The manufacturing of steel grinding balls involves a complex process where the final microstructure is influenced by several factors, including cooling rates, ball diameters, alloying elements, and heat treatment temperatures. The steel grinding media primarily consist of martensite and retained austenite, with the volume fraction of these phases varying from the surface to the core of the balls. During grinding operations, steel balls undergo repetitive impacts from contact with other balls, mill liners, and ore particles. This induces the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect, where austenite transforms into martensite, thereby enhancing the material's work-hardening. This neutron experiment aims to investigate the effects of deformation on the microstructure evolution and phase distribution within steel grinding balls. Specifically, the study will focus on the depth profile analysis and local variants investigation of samples subjected to varying durations of service and depths, utilizing neutron diffraction techniques. The data generated from this experiment will contribute to the design of superior grinding balls, optimizing their performance and longevity in industrial applications.