Effects of Temperature on the Hardness and Wear Resistance of High-Tungsten Stellite Alloys

In this research, two new Stellite alloys containing high tungsten are developed for wear resistance application owing to the distinct beneficial effects of tungsten in Stellite alloys. The microstructures of these alloys are analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an EDAX energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy system and X-ray diffraction spectrum. The micro-hardness and wear resistance of the alloys at room temperature and at elevated temperatures are investigated utilizing a Microhardness Tester Unit, with a Hot Stage, and a Hot Pin-on-Disk Tribometer, respectively. The wear test results of these alloys are compared with those of commercial wear-resistant Stellite 3 and Stellite 12. The worn surfaces of the specimens are analyzed using SEM/EDX to explore the wear mechanisms of these alloys with temperature change. The variations of hardness and wear resistance of these alloys with temperature are studied and discussed.