Structure-property correlation of wear plates

Wear is the biggest factor that controls the performance and life of any machine part. The interaction between functional surfaces in their relative motion causes adverse effects in the surface layers, leading to their deterioration. Most worn parts do not fail from a single mode of wear but from a combination of modes, such as abrasion, erosion, etc. Hardfacing is the best method for overcoming wear problems of machine parts as it increases the life of machine part and also protects from damage. In this investigation, seven commercial hardfacing steel plates with varying Cr content and other carbide forming elements were examined. This project contributes to the understanding of the effect of carbide forming elements (Mo, V, W, Nb, and Ti) on the microstructure and abrasive wear resistance. Microstructural characterization was done by using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Energy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy were carried out to study the carbide type and distribution in the hardfaced deposit. Abrasive wear tests were conducted by using pin-on-disc tribometer in accordance with the ASTM G99. It was observed that wear resistance increases with increasing Cr content with other carbide forming elements in the alloy. Along with hardness, morphology and type of carbide are also important factors to decide the wear resistance. An attempt was made to co-relate the chemical composition, carbide morphology, microstructural features with wear properties of hard facing alloys