Effect of matrix and hard phase properties on the scratch and compound behavior of wear resistant metallic materials containing coarse hard phases

Modern abrasion resistant materials, such as cold work tool steels, consist of higher amounts of hard phases embedded in a softer metallic matrix. Hence, the wear behavior is controlled by the mechanical compound properties, which are dependent on the single phase properties (e.g. hard phase type and matrix condition), volume content, morphology, and distribution. For the development of materials with adapted tribological properties and for a better understanding of the wear processes these influencing factors and their complex interactions must be known precisely. In this study, the effect of matrix and hard phase properties and volume content on scratch behavior and the mechanical compound properties are experimentally and numerically investigated for a hot work tool steel containing coarse hard phases. Spark Plasma Consolidation (SPC) was used to produce microstructures consisting of hot work tool steel matrix and different embedded hard phases. The matrix condition was controlled by subsequent heat treatment (hard and softer matrix condition). To analyze the single phase properties nanoindentation, scratch testing, and atomic force microscope investigations were conducted. Numerical simulations (Finite-Element-Method) show that the mechanical compound properties can also be predicted on the basis of measured single phase properties. The results reveal the interaction between single phase and compound properties and their effects on the scratch behavior.