Effect of microstructure of low-carbon steels on frictional and wear behaviour

• Friction and wear properties of the low-carbon steels were investigated.
• The minor and trace element-doped low-carbon steel showed higher initial wear rate.
• The conventional steel showed higher hardness at the beginning of the sliding.
• The change in the grain size of the conventional steel lead the higher hardening.

The friction and wear properties of low-carbon steel and conventional carbon steel were investigated through sliding tests, hardness measurements, and microstructure observations. An understanding of these properties is essential to facilitate the application of low-carbon weld steel doped with minor and trace elements to tribological products.The results of the sliding tests showed that the initial wear of the minor and trace element-doped low-carbon steel was higher than that of conventional carbon steel. The results of the hardness measurements showed that conventional steel hardened faster than the minor and trace element-doped steel. The microstructure observations showed that the grain size of conventional steel decreased after the sliding test was performed. Hence, it was suggested that the change in the grain size of conventional steel promoted hardening.