Effect of retained austenite on wear resistance of steel 9Kh18 during friction

1. Martensite—carbide structure does not ensure high resistance to thermal wear of steel 9Kh18, which is due to the low resistance of martensite to dynamic tempering in the process of friction. 2. A substantial amount of unstable austenite in the structure of steel with a high capacity for hardening and high heat resistance increases the wear resistance of the steel under severe conditions. To increase the wear resistance of steel 9Kh18 under conditions of thermal seizing it is necessary to increase the amount of retained austenite in the structure and also its stability, which can be achieved by raising the quenching temperature.