Microstructural influence on 3-body abrasive-wear in carbon steel has been investigated. It has been found that the wear behavior changes significantly depending on cementite morphology in steel with similar hardness. Carbon steels with different carb...
Microstructural influence on 3-body abrasive-wear in carbon steel has been investigated. It has been found that the wear behavior changes significantly depending on cementite morphology in steel with similar hardness. Carbon steels with different carbon content (0.3C and 0.35C) were heat treated under different conditions to change the cementite morphology: PF/SP (Polygonal ferrite + Spheroidized pearlite) and TM (Tempered martensite) microstructures. Three-body abrasive wear tests were conducted using a ball-cratering tester. AISI 52100 steel ball was used as a counterpart material. All tests were performed at a normal load of 0.2 N, sliding (ball rotation) speed of 0.1 m/s and sliding distance of 50 m. Microstructure of the heat treated specimens was observed by an optical microscope, and the worn surfaces were observed by a stereoscopic optical microscope and an SEM (scanning electron microscope). Test results showed that as the shape of cementite becomes more spherical, the more wear loss was observed. Plate-like carbides resulted in high wear resistance.