Analysis of abrasive wear performance of arc welded hard layers

The influence of welded layers composition on the abrasive wear mechanism of friction couples “hard layer-steel” is analyzed. Strength, surface morphology, chemical and structural composition, abrasive wear resistance of welded layers are investigated. When cutting low carbon and chromium content layers with abrasive particles, the wear predominates there as it does under plastic deformation, while in refractory metal layers brittle decomposition takes place. Alloying carbon hard layers with chromium, silicon, boron and refractory metals (Fe-C-Si-Cr, Fe-C-Si-Cr-B, Fe-C-Cr-Si-Nb-W-Mo-B), the friction couples wear may be reduced by 53–56% compared to boron micro-alloyed hardened steel. Abrasive wear of high carbon content layers alloyed with chromium, silicon, boron and refractory metals is selective due to formed Fe6W6C (Cr, Fe)7C3, Mo2C, NbC carbides. Thermal treatment of high carbon content layer alloyed with refractory metals leads to conglomeration of carbides and reduction of abrasive layers wear up to 35.5%.