Abstract
The effect of carbon content and heat treatment on the abrasive wear performance of three 0·6%Cr alloyed cast steels with carbon contents near the eutectoid composition (0·7, 1·0 and, 1·3%) were investigated using a pin on drum abrasion tester. Specimens were austenitised at 870,970, or 1070°C for 1 h and quenched. Additionally, a 1·3%C specimen was spheroidised, then austenitised at 870°C and quenched. The microstructure, which was dependent on heat treatment and carbon content, significantly influenced the wear rate. The wear rate is related non-linearly to hardness. The lowest wear rate was obtained for the 1·3%C alloy austenitised at 1070°C producing a quenched microstructure of 40% retained austenite and 60% martensite. This specimen also exhibited the lowest quenched hardness. However, for a practical industrial heat treatment, the 1·0 %C alloy austenitised at 970°C provides the best wear performance.
MST/3130
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