Effect of impact angle on the slurry erosion-corrosion of Stellite 6 and SS316

This study is an investigation of the effect of impingement angle on slurry erosion corrosion of Slellile 6 manufactured by sand casting, lost wax casting and SS316. The tests were performed using an impingement rig in which a slurry with 3.5% Nacl and 1.177 g/l suspended angular sand particles at 19 m/s were recirculated for 1 It The results were obtained for angles of 20 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees and 90 degrees to the exposed surface. Post-experimental analysis using light microscopy, surface profiling and SEM assisted with clarification of the wear mechanisms and assessment of the severity of surface damage. Stellite 6 consistently exhibited superior wear resistance compared with SS316. The most severe regime for SS316 was experienced at low angle of impingement, 45 degrees, due to its ductility. Alternatively, the brittle network of chromium carbides showed significant impact on the behavior of cast Stellite 6 under solid-liquid impingement with the most critical erosion-corrosion damage occurring at 60 degrees. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.