Effects of C content and tempering temperature on impact-abrasive wear resistance of high-C martensitic steel

The impact-abrasive wear behavior of high-C martensitic steel was investigated, taking into account varying carbon (C) contents and different tempering temperatures. The evaluation was done through comprehensive microstructural characterization, analysis of worn surface morphology, and measurement of key performance like impact toughness and surface hardening. The findings demonstrate that increasing C content and tempering temperature both has a positive effect on wear resistance, with C content exhibiting a more pronounced influence compared to the tempering temperature. The improved wear resistance of the steel with higher C content and tempering at a higher temperature can be attributed to its enhanced impact toughness. This increase in impact toughness is primarily a result of microstructural refinement and alterations in carbide morphology. Moreover, cyclic impact loading induces surface hardening due to dislocation strengthening within the martensite and the retained austenite, leading to an increase in surface hardness. The combination of surface hardening and excellent impact toughness synergistically contributes to the overall improved wear resistance observed in the experimental steel with higher C content after tempering at a higher temperature. Additionally, the dominant features observed on the worn surface are scratches and substrate delamination, indicative of a wear mechanism of the experimental steels characterized by micro-cutting/ploughing and fatigue wear.