Transition of elevated-temperature wear mechanisms and the oxidative delamination wear in hot-working die steels

Dry sliding wear tests of H13 and H21 steels were performed at 400 °C. The wear mechanisms and their transitions were studied, and an oxidative delamination wear was suggested. A mild oxidative wear prevailed with oxide fatigue delamination under less than 3.54 MPa. Under 3.54–5.31 MPa, the oxidative wear prevailed with oxide fatigue delamination and the oxidative delamination wear. As the pressure surpassed 5.31 MPa, a severe wear prevailed with the oxidative delamination wear and the plastic extrusion. The oxidative delamination wear meant that the delamination occurred inside the matrix underneath tribo-oxides with long-ditch delamination and belt-like wear debris.