Microstructure and Sliding Wear Behavior of High Chromium Cast Iron Strengthened Low Carbon Steel Composite

To improve the wear resistance of the low carbon steel (LCS), high chromium cast iron (HCCI) was embedded into LCS by the hot rolling technique. The macrostructure, microstructure characteristics, and sliding wear behavior of HCCI strengthened LCS composite were analyzed. After hot rolling, the brittle HCCI layers were broken and randomly dispersed in the LCS matrix. The area fraction of HCCI varied at different distances from the surface layer of the composite. Coarse M(7)C(3)carbides in HCCI fractured, and there were unclosed pores and micro-cracks in the fractured carbides. The broken HCCI combined well with the LCS matrix without unbonded region or voids by mechanical and metallurgical bonding. Wear specimens with a larger area fraction of HCCI had better wear performance. During the sliding wear process, the HCCI randomly dispersed in the LCS matrix produced a shadow effect.

Automated summary

The wear resistance of low carbon steel (LCS) was improved by embedding high chromium cast iron (HCCI) into LCS using the hot rolling technique. After hot rolling, the brittle HCCI layers were broken and dispersed randomly in the LCS matrix. The HCCI combined well with the LCS matrix without any unbonded region or voids, resulting in better wear performance for specimens with a larger area fraction of HCCI.