Numerical Simulation of the Abrasive Wear Behavior of Selectively Oxidized α-Fe2O3 Oxide Layers on Tool Steel Surfaces

Selective oxidization of tool steel surfaces was studied, as this is a promising approach to realize lubricant-free forming processes. Specifically, the dry sliding wear of a tribosystem consisting of hardened tool steel (1.2379) and DP600 + Z sheet metal was investigated. The tool surfaces were selectively oxidized under an inert gas atmosphere to curtail abrasive wear. It turned out that tool surfaces that contained larger near-surface chromium carbides are not suitable for dry sliding wear, as these promote abrasive wear in the tribosystem. In addition, such carbides pose a challenge for selective oxidation. Optimized heat treatment strategies resulted in smaller chromium carbides, which could be selectively oxidized. To gain further insights into the wear behavior of the oxide layer, a mathematical model was developed. Worn sample surfaces were characterized with high-resolution tools, and the results provided input data for the numerical model.