Effect of Matrix Microstructure on Abrasive Wear Resistance of Fe–2 wt% B Alloy

Abstract

Two-body abrasive wear tests of Fe-B alloys with various matrix microstructures were performed using a pin-on-disc tribometer at a normal load of 3 N. The wear behavior was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and color 3D laser scanning microscopy. The results show that the Fe–2 wt% B alloy is mainly composed of a metallic matrix, M₂B and M₂₃(C, B)₆. A pure pearlitic matrix occurs at a cooling rate of 0.05 °C/s, and a pure martensitic matrix forms at a cooling rate above 0.3 °C/s. Compared to the pearlitic matrix, the martensitic matrix can better support the M₂B against fracture and provides higher abrasion resistance for the Fe–2 wt% B alloy. Moreover, with an increase in sliding distance, the abrasion resistance of Fe–2 wt% B alloy decreases slightly at first and then decreases rapidly. To be exact, the M₂B is steadily scraped off until the critical sliding distance of 6.06 m is reached, after which the neighboring M₂B fractures, leading to high material removal.

Keywords:

• Fe–2 wt% B alloy
• matrix microstructure
• sliding distance
• abrasion resistance

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation for Young scientists of China (Grants No. 51701084), Research and Innovation Foundation for Young Scientists Project of Jinan University (Grants No. 21617338) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central University (No. 21619335).