Modelling the effects of microstructure, properties and abrasion conditions on the wear resistance of SS316L-Al2O3 composites

The wear of materials is defined by multiple factors including the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear conditions. Therefore, starting from earlier models linking the hardness and toughness to the wear resistance, a new wear model is proposed in this study with primary focus on SS316L-Al2O3 composites. In addition to the strengthening particle size, the porosity and test conditions are considered. The porosity proves to have the strongest impact on the wear resistance followed by the hardness, the toughness and the hardening particle size. Harder and larger abrasive particles as well as higher sliding velocities accelerate dry sliding wear. The proposed model is in good agreement with experimental data and allows assessing the wear behaviour of a large range of materials.