Microstructure and dry sliding wear properties of 3Si-2Ni and 3Si-2Mn powder metallurgy steels with different graphite content

In this study, plain iron powder (ASC.100.29) was mixed with 0.35-1.1 % graphite + 3 % Si + 2 % Ni and 0.35-1.1 % graphite + 3 % Si + 2 % Mn powders. While coarse pearlitic structure with homogeneous distribution of Mn was obtained in Mn-added specimens, Ni-rich austenitic areas with divorced pearlite structure were observed in Ni-added specimens. Wear tests were carried out at a load of 50 N. The experimental results showed that the highest wear resistance was obtained in the Ni-added specimen. While subsurface brittle cracking caused more wear in the Mn-added specimens, the wear occured by plastic deformation of surface Ni-added specimens.