The effect of grain size on the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance 
of high-strength Hardox Extreme steel
			
	
 
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				Department of Vehicle Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
				 
			 
										
				
				
		
		 
			
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
							
										    		
    			 
    			
    				    					Corresponding author
    					    				    				
    					Beata  Białobrzeska   
    					Department of Vehicle Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
    				
 
    			
				 
    			 
    		 		
			
												 
		
	 
		
 
 
Adv. Sci. Technol. Res. J. 2025; 19(9):214-236
		
 
 
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ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of an analysis of the influence of prior austenite grain (PAGS) size on the strength and ductility of Hardox Extreme steel, with particular emphasis on impact load resistance and abrasion resistance under loose abrasive conditions. According to the manufacturer, Hardox Extreme steel in its delivered state is characterized by a minimum tensile strength of 2000 MPa and a hardness exceeding 60 HRC. To conduct the analysis, Hardox Extreme steel underwent heat treatment, including austenitization at temperatures ranging from 850 to 1200 °C. The mechanical property tests were supplemented with microscopic analysis using stereoscopic, light (LM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate microstructural properties. Fractographic studies were also carried out to identify the fracture characteristics observed during impact tests. Additionally, surface analyses after abrasion tests were performed to determine the micromechanisms of wear. Quantitative metallography techniques and statistical tools were employed to evaluate the prior austenite grain size and its distribution across various austenitization temperatures. The final section discusses the results in relation to existing literature and presents scientific and practical conclusions.