Investigating Wear Resistance of Low Carbon Steels Reinforced by Sic Submicron Sized Particles

Abstract

The development of new steel grades with improved mechanical properties by the addition of nanoparticles to microalloyed steels has recently gained attention. Misfit, size, thermal expansion coefficient, density, wettability and stability were reported to have an effect on the properties. The main challenge is the development of these nanostructured constituents by modified conventional and advanced manufacturing techniques. This work discusses the options for applying nanoinoculation techniques to produce new nanodispersed steel grades, with improved mechanical properties. At this stage of work submicron sized particles coated with Cu were selected in order to avoid wettability and agglomeration problems. The inoculant was added in different ratios starting from 0.025% up to 0.10% to the steel melt and the stirring of the melt was secured via the induction current heating for 4 minutes. The produced alloy was tapped in an iron ingot, and then hot forged into bars and plates. Optical microscopic studies were performed on the new material in order to identify the microstructural features. The wear abrasion resistance was detected using a wear test. It is shown that these new steel grades have improved wear friction coefficients; though higher wear rates at the studied load and time conditions. This opens a new path for investigations on the wear resistance of nanodispersed and nanoinoculated steels.---

Effects of Repeated Heat Treatments on the Wear Resistance of Pre-Carburized Steel

“…The recent surge in interest towards the incorporation of nanoparticles into steel microstructures aims to engineer new steel grades with enhanced mechanical properties. It has been noted that the attributes of these materials are influenced by factors such as lattice misfit, particle size, thermal expansion coefficient, density, and phase stability [17]. The prevailing challenge lies in the development of these alloys utilizing standard and advanced manufacturing processes.…”