Optimization of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in Medium‐Manganese Martensitic Wear‐Resistant Steel Through Pretempering Process

Medium‐manganese martensitic wear‐resistant steel exhibits broad application prospects in mining machinery due to its excellent strength and wear resistance. However, increasingly severe service conditions demand improved toughness. Addressing issues in traditional V(C, N) precipitation control research such as low vanadium utilization efficiency and insufficient precision in microstructure regulation, this study proposes an innovative pre‐tempering (PT) process—implementing tempering treatment on hot‐rolled steel before austenitizing. This process advances the tempering step, achieving pre‐precipitation of V(C, N) in the ferrite matrix and significantly improving vanadium precipitation efficiency. Research results show that specimens subjected to 550°C PT demonstrate optimal comprehensive mechanical properties: tensile strength 1894 MPa, yield strength 1120 MPa, −40°C impact energy 29 J, and Brinell hardness 539 HB. Fractographic analysis indicates that the impact fracture surfaces consist of a high density of dimples. This morphology suggests enhanced energy absorption capacity. The high‐angle grain boundaries promote frequent crack deflection, thereby enhancing energy absorption during impact. Crystallographic analysis further confirms that the increased frequency of V1/V15, V1/V18, V1/V22, and V1/V23 variant pairs plays a critical role in toughness enhancement.