Abrasive wear in multiphase microstructures

Abstract

General theories of abrasive wear are reviewed, and wear is related to abrasive size, shape, hardness and degradation tendency. The effects of matrix and second phase flowfracture properties on abrasive wear resistance are discussed. Treatment of matrix effects includes the roles of matrix microhardness, subsurface deformation and retained austenite on abrasion resistance. Discussion of second phase particle effects includes abrasion in carbon steels, and wear in systems containing fine, medium and coarse carbides. Throughout the paper, general guidelines are presented for alloy design and material selection for abrasion resistance, where such guidelines appear to have validity. At the same time, examples are given of the more usual situation in which abrasive wear is a highly specific function of microstructure and abrasive properties. In these latter cases, the specific parameters which control abrasion resistance are delineated.