Influence of Martensite Phase on the Tribological Properties of Plain Carbon Steel

In the present paper wear behaviour of plain carbon steel having martensite phase under dry sliding condition has been investigated. Plain carbon steel material BS 970/ En 42 in the form of rods were selected to produce heat treated wear test pin specimens. Compositions, morphologies and microstructures of worn surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDS). Volumetric wear rate was investigated for these pins on pin on disc wear testing machine. Volumetric wear rate of martensite phase is more under low speed for all the normal pressure conditions. Wear behaviour was studied at different combinations of sliding speeds and the normal pressures with respect to the volumetric wear rate. Also the effect of parameters such as friction force and coefficient of friction on volumetric wear rate under the prevailing sliding speed and normal pressure condition was also studied.