Lifespan assessment of carbonized slag removal chains by dry-sliding wear tests

The assessment methods and main influencing factors of the chain lifespan were investigated in this paper based on the fact that the lifespan of slag removal chains ranges from 2 to 5 years. Dry-sliding tests were employed to study four different chain products by means of the characterization of their microstructure, phases, micro-hardness and wear resistance of the surface and sub-surface (1 mm beneath the surface). The results of laboratory evaluation are in good agreement with the actual chain lifespan. On this basis, the relationship between the actual condition and the lab-evaluated wear resistance was established. It was indicated that the hardness gradient distribution of the carburizing layer plays a crucial role in determining the wear resistance of the material of chains. Therefore, the optimization of carburizing and quenching processes is a key factor to extend the chain lifespan.