The morphology, structure, and amount of nonmetallic inclusions in M2
high-speed steel and an experimental version modified with an addition
of Al have been studied. The addition of aluminum to high-speed steel
leads to an increase in nonmetallic inclusions, especially Al2O3 and
AlN. The morphologies of nonmetallic inclusions in M2Al are irregular
with sharp outlines; this can result in crack initiation interfaces be
tween the inclusions and the matrix during high-temperature quenching.
(C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1997.