Research on oxidation wear mechanism of the cast steels

The uni-directional pin-on-disk wear tests were performed in elevated-temperature air at 400 °C for the Cr–Mo–V cast steels with different compositions. Morphology, composition and structure of worn surfaces, oxidation films and matrix were examined using SEM, EDS, XRD and TEM. The relations between oxidation wear rate and matrix were studied. The mechanism of wear was clarified. Under elevated-temperature air at 400 °C, typical oxidation wear was presented in the cast steels. Oxidation of worn surface and fatigue delamination of oxide film proceed alternatively during sliding. As there are not coarse second phases in steel, oxide film is main factor in determining wear rate, which conforms to Quinn's oxidation wear theory. In this case, delamination of oxide film was found to take place inside oxide film or at interface of matrix and oxide film. This is classified as mild oxidation wear with lower wear rate. As coarse second phases exist in steel, the wear rate is strongly dependant on microstructures of matrix. In this case, oxide film delaminates from the inside of matrix under oxide film. This is classified as severe wear with high wear rate.