Strength and wear resistance of nanocrystal structures on friction surfaces of steels with martensitic base

Abstract

The formation of nanocrystal α-martensite structures (NCS) in the surface layers of carbon and alloy steels under conditions of sliding friction and abrasion is investigated by electron microscopic, x-ray, and metallographic methods. The influence of the dynamic strain aging of martensite and strain dissolution of the carbide phase on the strength (microhardness and shear resistance) and tribological properties (wear resistance and friction coefficient) of nanocrystal surface layers of steels with martensitic base is demonstrated. The role of nanocrystal martensite in adhesive, abrasive, and fatigue wear resistance of steels is examined. The negative influence of the oxidizing air environment on the effective strength and wear resistance of friction NCS is demonstrated. The increased resistance of friction NCS of high-carbon steel to softening after tempering and friction heating is established.