Optimizing Pearlitic Rail Steel Durability: Low-Temperature Annealing and Nanoscale Carbide Innovations

This study investigates the impact of low-temperature annealing treatment at 200 degrees Celsius on the wear resistance and mechanical properties of eutectoid pearlitic steel, commonly used in railway applications.Our research primarily focused on understanding the microstructural changes and their correlation with mechanical hardness and wear resistance.Microhardness testing indicated that the hardness of the initial pearlitic microstructure increased from 370 HV to 400 HV following the lowtemperature annealing treatment.This increase in hardness was linked to a substantial improvement in wear resistance, evidenced by a 27 percent decrease in wear rate.High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis post-treatment revealed the emergence of nanoscale transition carbides.These needle-type transition carbides, with a hexagonal structure, contributed to an increased hardness of the pearlitic structure.Our findings suggest that the low-temperature annealing process not only enhances the hardness and wear resistance of pearlitic steel but also induces favourable microstructural changes that could significantly extend the service life of railway components.