Abstract
The abrasive wear resistance and fracture toughness of the principal types of alloy white cast iron have been determined in laboratory tests. It was found that low-stress abrasion resistance is controlled principally by the hard, dispersed carbide phase, and that the hardness of the matrix is of secondary importance only. The strength of the matrix, however, is important in providing mechanical support to the carbide particles. The matrix plays a critical role in determining the fracture toughness of white cast irons through its ability to stop brittle cracks propagating from one carbide particle to another. Both abrasion resistance and fracture toughness were found to be greatest for austenitic matrices.
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