Influence of Subsurface Structure on the Linear Reciprocating Sliding Wear Behavior of Steels with Different Microstructures

The present work investigates the influence of subsurface microstructure on the linear reciprocating sliding wear behavior of a number of steels with ferrite-pearlitic, pearlitic, bainitic, and martensitic microstructures under dry unlubricated condition. The change in the underlying microstructure with depth from worn-out surface of steel sample intimately relates to the associated hardness variation and wear volume. The present paper is not about comparison of wear resistance of steels with different structures; rather it is on mutual influence of wear and substructure for individual microstructure. Inherent toughness of the matrix and ability of microstructural components to get deformed under the reciprocating action of the ball decide the wear resistance of the steels. Bainite has good amount of stability to plastic deformation. Ferrite shows severe banding due to wear action. Work hardening renders pearlite to be wear resistant. Temperature rise and associated tempering of martensite are observed during wear.